“The Ice Age” (2002)

The Ice Age

Brief Description:

Sid the sloth was left behind by his family on their annual migration. Manny the Mammoth is going against the current of animals heading south. Diego the Saber-Tooth Tiger is struggling to keep up his position in his group. When Manny rescues Sid, the sloth on’t leave him alone. Meanwhile, Diego tries to steal a woman’s baby for his leader’s revenge, but she wrecks his plans by jumping over some falls to protect her son. When the woman hands over the baby to Manny and dies, Diego tries to convince them to hand the baby over, but Manny’s not about to trust him. Through a series of adventures and misfortunes, will the unlikely group form friendship, or will tragedy rip them apart at last? 

(written by me)

Date: 2002

Genre: animated adventure comedy 

Running time: 1 hour 21 minutes 

Cast: 

Ray Romano (Manny)

John Leguizamo (Sid)


Denis Leary (Diego)


Goran Višnjić (Soto)


Jack Black (Zeke)


Cedric the Entertainer (Carl)


Stephen Root (Frank)


Diedrich Bader (Oscar)


Alan Tudyk (Lenny)

Jane Krakowski & Lorri Bagley (Rachel & Jennifer)

Chris Wedge (Squirrel)


Tara Strong (Baby)

Director: Chris Wedge

Production company: Blue Sky Studios & 20th Century Fox Animation

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

I first saw this film at some friends’ house years ago. I always remembered it and how much we enjoyed it, so I gave it another shot recently while stuck in bed with a twisted ankle. I’m taking it as fantasy, which it definitely is. The setting is pretty nondescript. Just ice and snow or rocks and dirt, etc. 

Characters: 4/5

I love Manny. Sarcasm Master, but amazingly loving & sacrificing, with a heartbreaking backstory. I love how he spent his grief through the film by doing bigger and bigger acts of love & forgiveness. Diego is also quite funny, and he comes across as a bit pitiful… really enjoyed his arc as he slowly starts softening too. And Sid is just downright dumb and hilarious. Their friendship is awesome.

Plot: 4/5

The story centres more around the relationship of the three MCs than on any actual plot, although the whole point is them travelling together to give the baby back to the humans. I enjoy the adventures and misadventures, but most of all their conversations and the moments where they display their emotions and whatnot. :) It’s a pretty heartwarming film to be honest. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

Basically just love & forgiveness… 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Probably some euphemisms. 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Overall: 4/5

A fun, simple, heartwarming, and humorous film. :)