Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +2

Main Actors: Voices of Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, John Leguziamo. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, Mike Thurrmeier.

FILM SYNOPSIS:The adventures of Ellie and Manny (Queen Latifah and Ray Romano), Diego the aging tiger (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguziamo) the goofy sloth continue in this 3rd Ice Age animated feature filmed in 3-D. The mammoth couple are awaiting the birth of their first baby, leaving Sid feeling displaced and lonely. He wanders in search of a baby of his own, falls through a break in the ice and finds himself in the tropical, lush dinosaur world. Three huge eggs suddenly appear, and Sid is sure when they hatch, they will be his family. Meanwhile, Diego has lost his “grrrr,” frightening no one and unable to protect his friends.

Ellie, Manny and Diego begin searching for the missing Sid and they too stumble into the “underworld” of the dinosaurs. Action never stops as the four close friends face the angry mother who laid the eggs that Sid has stolen, a fiery lava pit, and many other dangerous situations.

Scrat (voice of Chris Wedge) the comical squirrel entertains as he pursues Scratte (Karen Disher). These hilarious two pop up all through the movie, competing for a giant acorn, dancing a sensual tango, sparring and flirting.

There are plenty of laughs for all ages and enough action to hold children’s attention, although it may not be appropriate for under 5 years old, especially since the running time of 94 minutes may be a bit long.

PREVIEW SYNOPSIS: There are good reasons for a PG rating. Like most recent animated features, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs includes some crude humor and sensual behavior. In his search for milk for his newly hatched dinosaur babies, Sid comes upon a giant ox standing. Thinking he is milking the ox, he squeezes the male appendage, initiating a powerful response. Another time, after Ellie has her baby, Sid sees the tail and exclaims, “It’s a boy!” Scat’s flirtatious overtures toward Scatte are comically suggestive, and their tango is quite sensual. Action and danger are non-stop with falls, fierce attacks from scary dinosaurs and chases.

Themes include the basic need to belong, whether it’s biological family or close friends, and the need to be needed. Sid learns some difficult lessons about doing what’s right instead of what he wants. Diego gets his “grrrr” back when he protects Ellie from danger during the birth of her baby. It is touching to see Manny to risking his life to save Sid from certain death, even as he is about to become a father.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: 20th Century Fox