Another Modern Stone Age Family

Rating: 7/10 (3 March 2014)

This film is recommended.
The Croods is the perfect example of what is right and what is wrong with the work coming from today's animation studios: stunning visuals and a so-so story.
The film begins with a wonderful chase sequence that utilizes the best in state-of-the-art computer animation: fluid movement, strong details, and vivid colors. It always entertains in telling its tale of a prehistoric family and their struggles to survive the end of the world. But its predictability and overall cuteness wears thin. Characters are more caricatures and sketchy stereotypes of a typical family: Grug the domineering father, Ugga the loving mother, Eep the rebellious teenage daughter, Thunk the lunkhead brother, Sandy the pesky youngest sibling, and Gran the dotty grandma.
Once their man-cave is destroyed, they are off on an adventure as they explore the new world disorder. With their journey comes unique surreal creatures and vibrant environments and, of course, a love story as Eep meets that special guy named Guy. But the emphasis is on action, with little time on character development and too much time being spent on each dangerous encounter, followed by another, and then yet another.
Yes, there's lots of running around, avoiding the various exciting obstacles in their way. Interest never lags. Fine voice-over work by Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, and Cloris Leachman add to the fun. The images throughout the film are quite impressive. Were that the thin story would rise to the caliber of visual excellence by its creative team.
Still, any animation fan should see this film for its visual strengths and some sly humor that punctuates this adventure saga. Written and directed by Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders, The Croods is diverting entertainment that the whole family, especially the young pesky ones, will completely enjoy. GRADE: B
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