I'm walking into the theatre where Ice Age is being presented and thinking "75 minutes! How can they do anything in an hour and 15 minutes!" Now, I'm not positive but I think the short length worked to the studio's advantage. Little kids who squirm and worm and can't sit through a whole movie can go and see this, leaving their parents alive in the end. Smart, huh? I definitely think so. Evidently, they did come up with a semi-good plot, and an exciting story in the small amount of time...What more could you ask for?

     Ice Age is about three characters named Diego, Sid, and Manny who are late in the migrating to a warmer climate to avoid the "Ice Age". They come across a lost little boy who had been kidnapped by Saber Tooth Tigers of Diego's heard. Manny and Sid don't know that all Diego wants is the little boy; that's the reason he's traveling with them, to collect some delicious food for his pack. Over the journey, Diego's mindset constantly changes. Should he choose to humanely return the baby to it's parents or please his pack and scrumptiously devour it's flesh?

     Ice Age is a journey of friendship and making the right choices. The imminent bonds teach children lessons about working together and helping each other. These tiny animated creatures have bold, triumphant soles as the movie goes on and teach bravery and love. This is certainly a well-done story that is written with wit and intelligence. The compassion it shows us is very admirable.

     Ice Age is not an animated masterpiece, unlike Shrek, Toy Story, and Monsters Inc. But it is a pleasurable experience for kids and adults alike. The computerized animation isn't extremely high quality, but I don't think kids care very much. They're looking for the love, compassion, friendship, personality, and excitement of the characters. The children who were watching it with me were pinned to the edge of their seats, rapidly cheering for the protagonists hoping that they will prevail. I don't think that many children under the age of ten are looking at the quality of the animation!

     I liked this movie and it probably will take a spot on my top ten list of the year two-thousand and two. It was the hopes and dreams of the characters that mad Ice Age as enjoyable as it was. I loved what each character desired and hoped to offer. Those qualities were what made it the lovable creation that it is. Ice Age is this year's Shrek. It is very deserving of the Academy Award nomination it will most likely receive. I hope that it wins for "Best Animated Feature!"

-Danny, Bucket Reviews