Early Man (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Early Man (2018) is a stop-motion animated film from the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, directed by the renowned Nick Park. Set in prehistoric times, the film blends the charm of clay animation with a fun, family-friendly storyline about a Stone Age tribe trying to save their home from Bronze Age invaders through an unlikely medium: soccer. With a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and quirky characters, Early Man is a playful homage to underdog sports films, while also giving a humorous take on human history.
In this review, we will cover the plot, standout performances, critical reception, and where you can watch Early Man online today.
Plot Overview of Early Man (2018)
Set during the dawn of time, when woolly mammoths and cavemen roamed the earth, Early Man follows the story of Dug (voiced by Eddie Redmayne), a young and brave caveman living in a peaceful valley with his tribe. The tribe, led by the bumbling yet well-meaning Chief Bobnar (voiced by Timothy Spall), lives a simple life of hunting rabbits. However, their lives are disrupted when the more advanced and sophisticated Bronze Age civilization, led by the greedy Lord Nooth (voiced by Tom Hiddleston), invades their land.
Lord Nooth plans to mine the valley for bronze, forcing Dug and his tribe out of their home. But Dug soon discovers that the Bronze Age people are obsessed with a mysterious and ancient game—soccer. In a bid to win back their valley, Dug challenges Lord Nooth’s team of professional soccer players to a high-stakes match. With the help of his best friend Hognob (a lovable, grunting wild boar), and Goona (voiced by Maisie Williams), a Bronze Age girl who dreams of being a soccer star, Dug trains his tribe in the sport to take on the champions.
What follows is a classic underdog sports story, complete with comedic training montages, mismatched team members, and a final showdown that could change the fate of Dug’s tribe forever.
Cast and Characters
The voice cast of Early Man is led by some well-known names, each bringing their unique style and humor to the film:
- Eddie Redmayne as Dug, the optimistic and brave young caveman who refuses to give up on his home. Redmayne’s performance captures Dug’s earnestness and determination, making him a relatable and likable protagonist.
- Tom Hiddleston as Lord Nooth, the pompous and greedy leader of the Bronze Age civilization. Hiddleston’s over-the-top French accent and theatrical delivery make Lord Nooth a memorable and hilarious villain.
- Maisie Williams as Goona, a soccer enthusiast from the Bronze Age who becomes Dug’s ally and coach. Williams adds spunk and energy to the role, making Goona a key figure in the tribe’s journey to soccer greatness.
- Timothy Spall as Chief Bobnar, the cautious but kind-hearted leader of Dug’s tribe, who eventually learns to embrace change and lead his people into battle on the soccer field.
The supporting cast includes a range of colorful, comical characters, including Dug’s tribe of cavemen who are hilariously uncoordinated when it comes to sports, and Lord Nooth’s team of professional soccer players, who seem invincible at first.
Visual Style and Animation
One of the highlights of Early Man is its distinctive stop-motion animation style. Aardman Animations, the studio behind the film, is famous for its hand-crafted claymation, and Early Man is no exception. The animation is detailed and charming, with expressive character designs and imaginative settings that bring both the Stone Age and Bronze Age worlds to life.
The movie’s soccer scenes are particularly impressive, with the stop-motion animation creating dynamic and exciting action sequences. The creative use of prehistoric elements—like stone goals and rock soccer balls—adds to the film’s charm and humor.
Humor and Themes
At its core, Early Man is a lighthearted and humorous underdog story. The film plays with classic sports movie tropes, from the ragtag team of misfits to the training montages, but adds a prehistoric twist. There’s plenty of slapstick humor, visual gags, and witty dialogue to keep both children and adults entertained.
The film also touches on themes of teamwork, perseverance, and adapting to change. Dug and his tribe must overcome their fears of the unknown, embrace new skills, and work together to achieve their goal. These positive messages are woven into the story in a way that feels natural and not overly preachy.
Critical Reception
Early Man received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its charming animation, lighthearted tone, and family-friendly humor. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a solid approval rating, with critics noting that while the film might not reach the heights of Aardman’s earlier classics like Wallace & Gromit, it’s still an enjoyable and fun adventure for all ages.
Some critics pointed out that the film’s plot is somewhat predictable, especially if you’re familiar with the typical structure of underdog sports movies. However, the unique prehistoric setting, lovable characters, and witty humor help elevate the film and make it a delightful watch.
Where to Watch Early Man (2018) Online
If you’re interested in watching Early Man, here are the platforms where the movie is available for streaming, rental, or purchase in the U.S.:
1. Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase)
- Availability: United States and internationally.
- Pricing: Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: Available in HD.
Amazon Prime Video offers Early Man for both rental and purchase, making it easy to stream the movie on any device. If you’re a Prime member, you can also access it instantly through the platform’s extensive digital library.
2. iTunes/Apple TV (Rental/Purchase)
- Availability: United States, Canada, and other regions.
- Pricing: Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: HD available.
Apple users can rent or buy Early Man on iTunes or Apple TV and stream it on their iPhones, iPads, or Apple TV devices.
3. Google Play Movies (Rental/Purchase)
- Availability: United States and internationally.
- Pricing: Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: HD available.
Google Play Movies offers Early Man for rental or purchase. This option is great for users with Android devices or those who prefer to watch movies through a web browser or smart TV.
4. Vudu (Rental/Purchase)
- Availability: United States.
- Pricing: Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: Available in HD.
Vudu offers Early Man in HD for both rental and purchase. You can stream the movie through smart TVs, gaming consoles, or any other compatible devices.
5. HBO Max (Subscription)
- Availability: United States.
- Pricing: Subscription starts at $9.99/month with ads or $15.99/month without ads.
- Quality: Available in HD.
Early Man is available for streaming on HBO Max for subscribers. This option allows you to watch the film along with a wide range of other movies and TV shows available on the platform.
Why Early Man Is a Fun Family Watch
Early Man is a great movie for families who enjoy animated films with humor, heart, and action. The film’s prehistoric setting and lovable characters make it stand out from other sports-themed movies, and its positive messages about teamwork and perseverance are perfect for younger viewers.
The film’s stop-motion animation is also a visual treat, offering something different from the more common CGI-animated films of today. Its mix of physical comedy, clever dialogue, and warm-hearted storytelling makes it an ideal pick for family movie night.
Conclusion: Is Early Man Worth Watching?
Early Man (2018) is a charming and entertaining film that will appeal to both children and adults alike. With its lovable characters, creative animation, and lighthearted humor, it’s a fun addition to Aardman’s filmography. Although it may follow a familiar sports movie formula, the unique setting and whimsical prehistoric twist keep it fresh and enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly movie that delivers laughs and a good dose of heart, Early Man is definitely worth a watch. With multiple streaming options available for rental or subscription, you can easily enjoy this animated adventure from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Early Man available on Netflix?
A: No, Early Man is not currently available on Netflix. However, you can stream it on HBO Max or rent/purchase it on platforms like Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
Q: Can I watch Early Man for free?
A: Early Man is not available for free streaming, but HBO Max offers a subscription that includes the movie in its library. Additionally, you can rent or purchase the movie on various digital platforms.
Q: Is Early Man appropriate for children?
A: Yes, Early Man is a family-friendly movie suitable for children. It features mild humor, positive messages, and is appropriate for all ages.
