DreamWorks Animation, famously known for its animated movies such as “Shrek” and “Madagascar,” has created yet another hit titled “The Croods.” With something for every age group, this movie is fun for the whole family.
“The Croods” is about a family of cavemen who live in fear of everything around them that they do not understand. The father of the family, Grug Crood (voiced by Nicolas Cage) fosters this fear, teaching his children that any sort of exploration or curiosity will get them killed. Epe (voiced by Emma Stone) is the oldest daughter and is very defiant of her father as she loves exploring the unknown.
Once their cave is destroyed by a natural disaster, the family is forced to search onward in the treacherous, unknown jungle to find a new place to call home. On their journey they meet a human named Guy (voiced by Ryan Reynolds), a teenage boy who exposes the Croods to a new perspective of life, with his interest in new things. Guy offers hope to the Croods, and promises a land safe of natural disasters.
As the Croods become uncomfortable in their new unfamiliar surroundings, their uneasiness pushes them closer together and unites them as a loving family. With the fear that not everyone may end up living through the journey, they realize the importance of family.
For most people, especially teens, animated movies are no longer considered to be high quality entertainment. However, we were emotionally moved by its message of familial love, which may be a lesson better understood by the movie’s older viewers.
“The Croods” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and deservingly so. Directors Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders put together a cute animation that brings a strong message about family to all age groups. There are family problems and love stories amid an action-packed, suspenseful and hilarious plot. Art directors Paul Duncan and Dominique Louis draw a clever and beautiful film that brings back great memories of watching Disney movies with our families.
The Croods’ continuing struggle to survive serves as a poignant message valuable for viewers of all ages: you can learn to face your fears with the support of family and friends.
The Croods
1 hour 38 minutes
Rated PG for some scary action
Directed by Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders
With Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds