often funny but mainly annoying family animation

Rating: 6/10 (30 December 2006)

the narrative.
As the trio of characters head on a journey to escape the calamity that is the fall of the valley, I couldn't help but feel the timing and humour that was used in the opening sequences was very poorly executed, being predictable and unimaginative.
The self obsessed wanting to be loved Sid the Sloth is somehow more annoying, Manny the mammoth is also just as irritating with his extremely annoying moaning and groaning attitude and the unenthusiastic agenda set by what would and should be the sabre-toothed tiger Diego presents an uninspiring diverse group of animals.
The target audiences for these types of films would normally be children and I can't see how many would be captivated by such a boring group.
The plot moves at a steady pace and never really catches up to the level the first film set. Apart from a terrific final few scenes, the film is often poor and focuses upon the character's personal issues rather than the bigger scale. There is no question about the animation which is simply sensational but in this current time where animations are being made every week the effects are easily forgotten by the unmoving unfunny plot.
There are many scenes which create enjoyment, especially through the acorn obsessed Scrat and the final conclusion to the film is engaging.
Ice Age 1.
Unfortunately this sequel fails to live up to the brilliance of the humorous slick first. With Ice Age 1 audiences always felt a familiarity and attachment to the narrative and the characters where as its sequel tries to hard to gain attachment by having more serious issues revolving around them e.g. Manny's depression at being the last of a species.
The jokes from the first were amazing from all characters. However apart from Scrat (who also loses a bit of himself here) every joke is plain, predictable and does not conform sufficiently to the story.
i recommend the first ice age and to leave this one alone