by Kevin Gaussoin, Editor-in-Chief

A prehistoric world is undergoing cataclysmic change, and the titular family in The Croods must adapt and move on or perish. The Crood family is stuck in a rut, or more accurately, a cave. Classic caveman and father Grug (Nicolas Cage – Ghost Rider, Kick-Ass, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) keeps his family safe by religiously keeping them literally in the dark and filled with fear so that they will not suffer the same demises of their former neighbors (all since met their ends via various prehistoric perils). The rest of the Crood family consists of mom Ugga (Catherine Keener – Hamlet 2, Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Where the Wild Things Are), Gran (Cloris Leachman – Phineas and Ferb, Adventure Time) feral baby Sandy (Randy Thom – The Incredibles, How to Train Your Dragon), and teenagers Thunk (Clark Duke – Kick-Ass, The Office) and Eep (Emma Stone – Superbad, Zombieland, Amazing Spider-Man).

Eep’s insatiable curiosity leads her to sneak out and explore while her family sleeps in the safety of their cave. There she meets fire-wielding stranger Guy (Ryan Reynolds – Blade Trinity, Green Lantern, The Change-Up) who opens her eyes not only to that which is different, but also to the upcoming geologic upheaval that is heading their way.

Yep, Emma Stone, you are still hot as a cave girl. I’ll be your sunshine.

The voice casting and directing for The Croods was ideal. These actors really brought these characters to life and moved the story along. Even though, sure,  the videogame-like sets of obstacles they face on their journey might seem cheesy, the acting and animation made me miss plot components and dialogue that in hindsight might otherwise be seen as clichéd. The art and animation is excellent, and the plethora of exotic creatures kept my interest. The 3D version is well done and worth it, but not necessary for full enjoyment.

For kids and those not looking for a deeper meaning, The Croods is a light comedic cartoon about a family facing adversity on a road trip together.  To the rest of us, The Croods asks some important questions:

Is The Croods really set on prehistoric Earth, or is it more obviously set on another planet in its own prehistoric period?
Is The Croods a metaphor about other ways that humanity desperately needs to come out of the dark? Religion? Human rights?
Is Guy really a Time Lord? He has knowledge of a place called “tomorrow”. He has anachronistic technology. He retains his positive attitude, even when captured. He knows what’s coming before it does. He takes on companions. He’s always telling them to “Run!”

If you’re looking for a movie for the whole family, this is a great choice. The Croods has some great messages that aren’t heavy handed. Does it have the timeless rewatchability of the Dynamic competition? Time will tell.

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives The Croods 4 out of 5 family pets.

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