Ice Age: Collision Course Review: Did the Herd’s Fifth Adventure Hit the Mark?
Does the world really need another Ice Age movie? That was the question on many minds when the film Ice Age Collision Course arrived in 2016, the fifth installment in a franchise that had already stretched its premise thin.
The original films succeeded on the charm of their core trio and the novelty of the prehistoric setting. By the fifth outing, the challenge was finding a threat grand enough to justify bringing the herd back together.
This entry certainly went big, taking the action to a cosmic scale, but did it manage to recapture the heart and humor that made the first films so beloved?
The Cosmic Setup: What Threatens the Herd This Time?
The core conflict, as always, begins with Scrat, the hapless saber-toothed squirrel. His relentless, acorn-fueled pursuit of his favorite nut inadvertently launches him into space.
In a truly bizarre turn of events, Scrat pilots an abandoned alien spaceship, setting off a chain reaction that sends a massive asteroid hurtling toward Earth. This cosmic threat is the catalyst for the herd’s latest, and perhaps most desperate, adventure.
The plot is certainly ambitious, moving the action from the familiar icy landscapes to the edge of the atmosphere. It’s a high-stakes premise that attempts to justify the franchise’s continued existence.
Scrat’s Unstoppable Pursuit and the Cosmic Domino Effect
Scrat’s segments are, arguably, the film’s highlight. They are pure, silent-era slapstick comedy, completely detached from the main narrative.
His antics in space, which involve manipulating celestial bodies and creating the solar system as we know it, are visually creative and offer a welcome break from the main story.
It is a testament to the character’s enduring appeal that his side quest remains the most consistently entertaining part of the entire series.
A Prehistoric Family Crisis: Manny, Peaches, and the Wedding Jitters
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the main herd is dealing with more domestic drama. Manny the mammoth is struggling to accept that his daughter, Peaches, is getting married to the goofy but lovable Julian.
This subplot provides the emotional anchor, focusing on Manny’s overprotective nature and the universal theme of letting go. It’s a familiar beat for the franchise, but one that resonates with the family audience.
The New Characters: Julian and the Geotopia Crew
Julian, Peaches’ fiancé, is introduced as a free-spirited mammoth who contrasts sharply with Manny’s grumpy demeanor. He is designed to be the source of lighthearted tension.
The film also introduces a new cast of characters in Geotopia, a hidden community of animals living inside the asteroid’s impact crater. These characters, including the yoga-loving Shangri Llama, add color but also clutter the already busy narrative.
Buck’s Return: The Eccentric Guide to Survival
Fortunately, the one-eyed weasel Buck, a fan favorite from the third film, makes a triumphant return. He discovers an ancient stone pillar that predicts the asteroid’s impact.
Buck becomes the eccentric, swashbuckling leader of the mission to save the world. His unique blend of madness and genius provides much-needed energy and humor to the central quest.
The Science of Survival: Finding Geotopia
Buck’s plan involves traveling to the asteroid’s previous impact site, Geotopia, where he believes the secret to stopping the current threat lies.
The journey is filled with peril and slapstick, including encounters with a trio of villainous dromaeosaurs. The destination itself is a visually stunning, crystal-filled landscape that offers a temporary sanctuary.
The Critical Ice Age: Collision Course Reception
Upon its release, the critical reception for Ice Age: Collision Course was overwhelmingly negative. Many critics felt the franchise had run out of fresh ideas.
The film was criticized for its overstuffed plot, relying too heavily on slapstick, and introducing too many new, underdeveloped characters. It felt less like a cohesive story and more like a series of loosely connected set pieces.
However, it is important to remember the target audience. For young children, the bright colors, fast pace, and familiar characters still provide an hour and a half of harmless entertainment.
Is It Worth Watching? Targeting the Right Audience
If you are a long-time fan of the franchise, or a parent looking for a distraction for younger kids, the film Ice Age Collision Course serves its purpose. It is a loud, colorful, and frantic cartoon.
But for those hoping for the emotional depth or sharp wit of the original 2002 film, this fifth entry is likely to disappoint. It is a clear example of a franchise prioritizing spectacle over substance.
Ultimately, Collision Course is a film that exists for its youngest viewers. It is a serviceable, if uninspired, addition to the Ice Age canon that thankfully didn’t end the world—either in the film or for the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ice Age: Collision Course the last movie in the series?
No, Ice Age: Collision Course was not the final film. A spin-off film, The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, was released in 2022, focusing on the weasel Buck.
What is the main plot of Ice Age: Collision Course?
The main plot centers on the herd trying to prevent a massive asteroid from hitting Earth, an event accidentally triggered by Scrat in space. Simultaneously, Manny struggles with his daughter Peaches’ impending marriage.
Who are the new characters in the film?
Key new characters include Julian, Peaches’ fiancé, and the residents of Geotopia, such as the spiritual leader Shangri Llama and the rabbit Teddy.
Why did Ice Age: Collision Course receive negative reviews?
Critics largely panned the film for its overly complicated and disjointed plot, its reliance on tired gags, and the introduction of too many new characters that diluted the focus on the original herd.
