<Review by: Sailesh Ghelani>

Directed by Mike Thurmeier. Starring the voice talent of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, Adam DeVine, Keke Palmer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Wanda Sykes, Sean William Scott, Jessie J

 Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes

The fifth instalment of the second-most successful animated franchise after Shrek, Ice Age: Collision Course manages to stay true to its roots and provide a funny and visually brilliant experience.

One would think too much of this would get a bit boring. And while the Ice Age series has probably run its course now, it is surprising that the filmmakers still manage to maintain consistency after all this time.

(Here’s the review of the previous Ice Age: Continental Drift)

Sure things aren’t as exciting anymore and the original group dynamics from the first film are a bit watered down considering there are more characters and ‘family’ angles that are now in play. In Collision Course, our favourite character Scrat has been up to no good in space, all in search of his elusive acorn. In the bargain, he sets in motion a giant asteroid screaming towards earth and the gang have to try and save the day and themselves with the help of their friend from the lost world: Buck (Simon Pegg).

As a side story, Manny (Ray Romano) and wife Ellie (Queen Latifah) are trying desperately to keep their daughter Peaches (Keke Palmer) and her to-be husband Julian (Adam DeVine) from leaving their home after they get married. Ice Age has always been about family of some kind or the other and the need for companionship and this one stays true to that. I’d have liked more bonding among the original cast of Manny, Diego (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) but the ebullient presence of Buck makes up for that.

Swashbuckling, funny and with a great singing voice, Buck’s character saves the day and the film from beginning too much of the same thing. His eccentric behaviour and suave moves are a treat to watch. I’m surprised they haven’t yet come up with a film just for him.

It was also nice to see the flip-flop between down on earth and up in space with Scrat. The little nutter’s antics in a space ship trying to retrieve his nut are hilarious.

While not great, Ice Age still manages to pull off some humorous gags and that says a lot for a fifth film.