Movie Review: ‘The Croods: A New Age’

Review by Monique Thompson

Searching for a safer habitat, the prehistoric Crood family discovers an idyllic, walled-in paradise that meets all of its needs. Unfortunately, they must also learn to live with the Bettermans – a family that’s a couple of steps above the Croods on the evolutionary ladder. As tensions between the new neighbors start to rise, a new threat soon propels both clans on an epic adventure that forces them to embrace their differences, draw strength from one another, and survive together.

With the global pandemic still in full swing, and very little sign of letting up, running to movie theaters have really taken a back burner to VOD and online shopping. For those families looking to brave the COVID restrictions THE CROODS: A NEW AGE is a family-friendly film that’s hit the theaters near you.

As a sequel to the 2013 film, A NEW AGE, the Croods (Grug, Eep, and Guy) have returned this time in search of “tomorrow”. Guy’s parents instructed him to find “tomorrow” years ago and when he stumbles upon what he thinks is this new place, the crew ends up in a land with the Bettermans (Phil and Hope). The Bettermans claim to be friends of Guy’s late parents and feel they’re a much better fit for Guy than the Croods. Phil tries to form an alliance with Guy, scheming off of the idea that Guy is more evolved than the Croods and therefore should leave them and become apart of them. Right off, Grug isn’t too pleased with the Bettermans advanced “evolution” including their lavished tree-house. Phil, Grug, and Guy are later kidnapped by a gang of monkeys and must put their differences to the side if they ever want to be rescued. The men must rely on the women and their Thundersiser gang to eventually rescue them and the Croods and Bettermans will eventually settle their feud and live as neighbors.

The visualization and animation in A NEW AGE is undeniably probably the best thing about the film. Aside from the fact that there are truly some funny moments, the animation tops the cake. There’s definitely visual advancements since the original back in 2013. Nicolas Cage as the Croods patriarch is just as good as the first go ’round. He’s protective of his family but equally passionate about their evolution.

All around, A NEW AGE, is definitely suited for the younger kiddos, but still enjoyable enough for kids of all ages and the adults to enjoy it enough that they aren’t bored. There’s even a message that can resonate with the adults about the importance of family and letting our children grow up. THE CROODS: A NEW AGE is surely a cute enough movie to get the family out of the house and enjoy family-friendly comedy in the midst of these crazy times.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Nicolas Cage, Clark Duke, Catherine Keener