The Croods are your average, run-of-the-mill, cave-family. We’re introduced to their very paranoid way of living, but soon find it reasonable when we learn that they’re the only family left, their neighbors having succumbed to all manner of seemingly simple ailments. Daddy caveman, Grug, does what dads do best, and protects the family. Son, Thunk, is the spitting image of his father, though a bit less graceful. Momma Ugga is trying to keep the peace between Dad and Eep, the, *ahem*, completely non-stereotypical rebellious teenage daughter. Gran is ridiculously fantastic, as is her also-completely-non-stereotypical relationship with son-in-law Grug. (Note: The previous paragraph may have contained slight sarcasm. If you experience any symptoms, please see your doctor.)
Eep is bored of spending day after day in the cave, with only the quick, mishap-laden foray for a meal every few days. Like most teenage girls stuck in a cave with only her Neanderthal family for company, she longs for the new, the different, the not-cave-stuff. One thing leads to another, and she gets her wish, much to the dismay of her “everything new is bad” dad. Their journey is arduous, hilarious and ultimately very touching.
The 3D is pretty good, underplayed, but utilized well in a few spots. The whole movie is chock-full of amazingly gorgeous views, of the nearly breath-taking variety. DreamWorks hits the mark again with a visual feast. Eep’s hair in a few scenes is so artfully done I had to remind myself it wasn’t real. The plants and animals didn’t have quite the same effect, but they feel as though they were designed by small children with gigantic imaginations, and not in the bad way. The ingenious flora and fauna are fanciful, original and more vivid than seemed possible.
Characters and scripting did not disappoint. The voice-acting was very well done, and the story never felt long-winded or forced. It seemed to flow very naturally, and carry you along for the laughter-filled ride. On the humor front, it was about a 50/50 split between verbal and slapstick, with both falling back, at times, on old classics. However, a lot of it was very fresh and will elicit laughter from even the most stoic of folk. This movie plays to all ages, with lots of subtle adult jokes that will sail right over the kiddie’s heads.
Overall, unless you’re a heartless, humorless sack of skin, you’ll likely enjoy the heck out of this wonderfully-done film.
I give The Croods…
13 Hearts!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRQslQyUzE?rel=0]
About the Movie:
Synopsis: The world’s very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world.
Directors: Kirk De Micco & Chris San
Writers: Chris Sanders & Kirk De Micco
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Cloris Leachman
Rated: PG
Runtime: 98 Min
[SlideDeck2 id=9269]
As an avid Jill-Of-All-Trades, I dabble in many things, but I've always been passionate about writing and photography. I read like a fiend, all sorts of genres and authors, and I hope someday to write my own novels. I've been taking pictures since I was little, and I strive to improve my skills everytime I pick up a camera. I love all kinds of movies, from those terrible-yet-hilarious B movies to the latest superhero blockbusters. I play video games, roleplaying games, even Magic: The Gathering (much to the chagrin of my wallet, at times), because I adore delving into these other, amazing, created worlds. Check out all my interests and projects, or get in touch with me, on my Facebook page at: Http://www.facebook.com/SamanthaCantrellAZ
