The Croods: A New Age (2020)

'The Croods: A New Age' makes for a good sequel. I didn't mind the original from 2013 (that long ago, eh?), I found it passable but did have to watch a recap video before watching this entry as I remembered absolutely nothing; aside from the first few scenes. I guess that's to be expected given the time gap, albeit I don't think I watched the first film until around 2019. This one offers up enough entertainment, it does feature a type of story that is rather predictable but I think all the shenanigans keep it ticking along nicely and the voice cast are all very good. Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds (feels odd to see a Reynolds character not truly front and centre) reprise their roles well, as Leslie Mann and Peter Dinklage make for strong additions. All in all, a worthy follow-up - I'd place it on the same level as its predecessor, to be honest.

Somewhat nomadic after the conclusion of their 2013 adventure, the caveman "Croods" are still searching for a place to call home. It's not just the quest that intrepid leader "Grug" must manage, he's also got the constantly hormonal "Eep" and "Guy" to contend with too! Anyway, they stumble upon a positively Elysian land of lush green grass, waterfalls - and bananas - and that's where they encounter the pretty supercilious "Betterman" family. They'd be the posh "Flintstones" with all the bamboo mod cons - even the original picture window! It's soon clear, though, that these two families are facing a bit of a culture clash and as tempers mount, "Grug" commits an unmentionable sin - and they are descended upon by a marauding gang of punch monkeys determined to feed them all to their Kong-esque king. Now they must but aside their trivial differences and work together else they will all end up as banana fritters! It's quite a fun little adventure film, this. It pokes fun at vanity and intolerance, keeps the story simple and engaging enough before an ending that, though predictable, reminds us of the values of working together rather than apart. The animation is standard, high-end, Dreamworks fayre and it's entertainingly scripted passing ninety minutes effortlessly.