Ice Age (2002) Film Review

Ice Age 

A vacation can be relaxing. You are away from the norms of life, you don't have to worry about anything. You can enjoy the sunshine or swim in the ocean. Who can beat that?

For the animals in this film however, it’s not a vacation. Try the word “relocation” instead. They are trying to get away from the impending doom: the Ice Age. It’s a tricky situation to navigate for sure. But for three animals, sometimes an end of the world catastrophe is not such a bad thing.

Manny is a mammoth, holding bitterness and refusing to open up. Sid is a sloth, doing his best not to die. Diego, a saber tooth tiger, likes his pack just fine. But when a human baby is separated from its clan, it’s up to these three animals to bring it home.

Positive Elements: Although Manny, Sid and Diego have arguments, they stick by each other. The film shows viewers that while everyone isn’t the same, we can still utilize our strengths/weaknesses together. For example, Manny has a hard time letting others in because of a tragedy. However, he proves to be loyal and slowly lets his guard down. 

Sid has a positive attitude throughout the journey. He teaches Manny and Diego how to have fun, plus has a keen sense when danger is heading their way. Though Sid comes off as annoying, he is also loyal. His cautious trust in Diego proves to be true.

Diego initially uses Manny and Sid for a secret agenda, but comes to regret it. He apologizes and defends Manny against peril. Manny saves Diego from being killed; “that’s what you do in a herd, you look out for each other,” Manny states. Manny forgives the human tribe for a certain deed. Father and son are reunited in a heartwarming scene.

Spiritual Content: There are a few references to evolution. It’s indicated by the ice melting and shifting structures that global warming plays a part in this ice age too.

Sensual Content: Sid takes the baby to a hot tub where a few female sloths hang out.

Violence: Several perilous scenes are present in this film. Diego and his pack attack the village, fighting the wolves. A woman gives up her baby before (it’s insinuated) drowning in the river. While walking through a cave, Manny is reminded how he lost his family. Through cave drawings, we see a female mammoth and her baby die. 

Angry rhinos charge at Sid who is protected by Manny and in one scenario, Diego. Dodo birds are possessive creatures, but they too fall to their implied deaths. Sid smacks a bunch of them while delivering food to the baby. (Spoiler Warning): Our three heroes cross an icy territory where lava is rampant: Diego nearly dies as does Manny, but both make it out alive.

Diego fights against his pack leader Soto, both slashing their claws. Diego is knocked out, while Manny shoves Soto near hanging icicles which then kills the latter (off-screen).

Language: Name-calling is present in a few scenes.

Drugs/Alcohol: When first seeing the dodo birds, Diego remarks “I know these potheads.”

Other Negative Elements: Sid steps in animal dung and inadvertently messes up a small green pasture for two rhinos. Diego gets offended when Sid calls him a “liar.” A presumed dirty diaper is actually clean.

(Spoiler Warning): It’s revealed that Diego wasn’t bringing the baby back to its herd; he and his pack planned to eat it. Eroding their trust in him further, Diego leads Manny and Sid into an ambush. He confesses the truth, which leads both animals to being (rightfully) angry at him.

Conclusion: In a day and age where kid’s movies sometimes fly under the radar, it’s refreshing to see some of them stand out. Ice Age is a great stand out indeed: the film has likable characters, an engaging storyline, and positive lessons. It’s also funny, but doesn’t get sidetracked easily.

Ice Age has some problems though. The danger can feel a bit too real at times, possibly making your tiny tykes fearful. The evolution aspect might catch parents off guard too. These conundrums need to be addressed before seeing this film.

However, Ice Age delivers lessons on true friendship, sacrifice, forgiveness, and family. Each of our three heroes face danger, but never leave each other behind. Diego in particular, is the most inspiring hero of the three.

Diego is torn between being loyal to his pack and helping Manny and Sid. Throughout the journey, he realizes good friends are better than settling for shallow ambition. Friendship isn’t a one way street, it’s a responsibility. (Spoiler Warning): To that end, Diego makes the right choice in protecting Manny from his pack.

Diego’s bravery reminds me of Proverbs 13:6, 16 (NCV); “Doing what is right protects the honest person, but doing evil ruins the sinner. Every wise person acts with good sense, but fools show how foolish they are.” Throughout the film, Diego starts to care for Manny and Sid, helping him shift his priorities. It shows some character development in him.

We live in a world where people mistreat others for their own gain, and at times, we fall into the same trap. The world screams “Do whatever it takes to push people out of your way,” and “Friendship doesn’t matter.” Both of these mindsets, though popular in our society, hide an insecure/immature surface. We are not meant for being on top, but for loving each other. That’s why Paul states in Galatians 6:2 (NCV) “By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.”

Ice Age has content problems, but the film ages well. It’s a hilarious yet heartfelt animated movie that reminds viewers that we are stronger together. What more could you ask for in a kids film?