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Dec 05, 2014Nursebob rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
In the dog-eat-dog and everything-eat-man world of prehistory live the Croods, a cave dwelling family overseen by neanderthal patriarch Grug whose paranoid motto of “Never Not Be Afraid” has kept the clan alive if not exactly happy. Daughter Eep is hungry for adventure, Granny spends her days thinking of new insults to hurl at her son-in-law, youngest toddler Sandy thinks she’s part wolf, and son Thunk couldn’t tie his shoelaces to save his life…if he had shoelaces…or shoes for that matter. But the world is changing, and with fiery meteorites lighting the sky and volcanic eruptions destroying everything they’ve ever known the Croods are forced to think outside the cave and reluctantly join forces with Guy, a young loner and his simian sidekick who are seeking safety in the distant mountains and the mysterious lands beyond. Beset by natural disasters and garish menageries of psychedelic carnivores including flying piranha-fish, pastel tigers, and giant man-eating pansies, the Croods and their worldly guide (he knows fire!) slowly make their way towards the dawning of a new age—but with the threat of total annihilation constantly nipping at their heels will they survive long enough to see it? One of the most visually gorgeous and meticulously rendered animated features I’ve seen in some time, The Croods revels in multicoloured pastel sets while herds of outlandish bugs and neon monsters practically leap off the screen (and onto store shelves no doubt). The engaging orchestral score by Alan Silvestri keeps pace with the prehistoric action which is further enhanced by some eye-popping “camerawork” including POV sequences, turbocharged tracking shots and lots of adorable close-ups (awww….reptile dog!). Although squarely aimed at youngsters there is still plenty here to make mom and dad smile and a happy-go-lucky ending actually leaves you looking forward to the inevitable sequel (already in production). A welcome little break from reality…yabba dabba doo!