A New Age For Computer Animation

Rating: 8/10 (13 April 2002)

Animation has always managed to keep up with the current techology. Nowadays, the big thing is computer-generated animation. The leaders in this field is Pixar, the studio under the wing of Disney, which has given us "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc." Then, Dreamworks' partner Pacific Data Images came to produce "Antz" and "Shrek." Now a new studio steps into the ring, Blue Sky, which is partnered with 20th Century Fox. Its first feature, "Ice Age" has already shown that it has what it takes to be a major player in the CGI animation game. "Ice Age" isn't as finely polished as a Pixar movie, but it is very well done. The story has its share of laughs and heartfelt moments. But the main draw is the sight gags. The walk through the glacier cave is a classic example. Plus, the antics of the Scrat also amuse. Another good point of the movie is its portrayal of prehistoric wildlife. Almost everyone thinks of dinosaurs, but few people are aware of the more obscure mammals that walked the earth after dinos ruled. And an interesting cross-section is presented in "Ice Age." Chris Wedge has already given us an epic in "Ice Age." I hope he can continue to give the competition a run for its money!