The Croods: A New Age (2020) Movie Review: A Colorful Adventure for the Whole Family
The Croods: A New Age (2020), directed by Joel Crawford, is the delightful sequel to the 2013 animated hit The Croods. This family-friendly film continues the prehistoric adventures of the Crood family as they encounter new challenges and colorful characters in a vibrant and imaginative world.
Plot Overview
In The Croods: A New Age, the story picks up where the first film left off, with the Crood family venturing into uncharted territory after the events of the previous film. The Croods, led by Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage) and his wife Ugga (voiced by Catherine Keener), discover a more advanced family, the Bettermans, who live in a paradise-like compound.
The Bettermans, consisting of Phil (voiced by Peter Dinklage), Hope (voiced by Leslie Mann), and their daughter Dawn (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran), represent a more evolved way of life compared to the Croods’ primitive existence. The film explores the comedic and sometimes chaotic interactions between the two families as they navigate their differences and learn to coexist.
As the story unfolds, the Croods and Bettermans face external threats and challenges that force them to work together and understand the value of family and friendship.
Performances and Voice Acting
The film features a talented voice cast:
- Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Grug Crood, bringing his signature energy and humor to the character. Cage’s performance adds a layer of eccentricity and heart to Grug’s interactions with the Bettermans.
- Emma Stone returns as Eep Crood, delivering a strong and spirited performance as the adventurous and rebellious daughter.
- Ryan Reynolds voices Guy, Eep’s love interest, providing a charming and humorous dynamic to the film.
- Peter Dinklage, Leslie Mann, and Kelly Marie Tran lend their voices to the Bettermans, each adding distinct personalities and comedic flair to their roles.
The voice cast’s performances contribute significantly to the film’s humor and emotional depth, enhancing the overall entertainment value.
Direction and Animation
Joel Crawford’s direction in The Croods: A New Age maintains the vibrant and whimsical tone of the original film while expanding the world and introducing new characters. Crawford, who also worked as a head of story on the first film, successfully balances humor, adventure, and heart in the sequel.
The animation, created by DreamWorks Animation, is visually stunning, with rich colors and imaginative designs that bring the prehistoric world to life. The film’s vibrant and dynamic visuals contribute to its appeal and provide a visually engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
Themes of Family, Change, and Coexistence
The Croods: A New Age explores several key themes:
- Family: The film emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the ways in which different families can learn from and support each other. The interactions between the Croods and Bettermans highlight the strength and resilience of family relationships.
- Change: The movie addresses the theme of change and adaptation, particularly in the context of the Croods’ encounter with the more evolved Bettermans. It explores how embracing new ideas and perspectives can lead to personal growth and improved relationships.
- Coexistence: The film underscores the value of coexistence and understanding between different groups. The comedic conflicts and eventual collaboration between the Croods and Bettermans demonstrate the benefits of working together and respecting differences.
Impact and Reception
The Croods: A New Age received positive reviews from critics and audiences for its humor, animation, and family-friendly appeal. The film was praised for its entertaining storyline and the engaging performances of its voice cast.
On IMDb, the film holds a solid rating, reflecting its success as an enjoyable and heartwarming sequel. The Croods: A New Age is recognized for its ability to entertain and delight viewers of all ages.
Streaming and Availability
For those interested in watching The Croods: A New Age, the film is available on various streaming platforms and rental services. It may be found on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or Hulu, depending on regional availability.
Conclusion
The Croods: A New Age (2020) is a colorful and entertaining sequel that offers a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and family themes. With its vibrant animation, engaging voice performances, and positive messages, the film provides an enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of animated adventures or looking for a fun family movie, The Croods: A New Age stands out for its charm and creativity.
