Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Searching for a safer habitat, the prehistoric Crood family discovers an idyllic, walled-in paradise that meets all of its needs. Unfortunately, they must also learn to live with the Bettermans -- a family that's a couple of steps above the Croods on the evolutionary ladder. As tensions between the new neighbors start to rise, a new threat soon propels both clans on an epic adventure that forces them to embrace their differences, draw strength from one another, and survive together.
The Croods: A New Age is a competent and energetic animated sequel that delivers lively slapstick and vibrant color but doesn't stray far from the formula. The plot introduces the Bettermans as a new dynamic but follows a predictable 'clash of families learns to cooperate' arc with few surprises. Voice acting is solid and game throughout but unremarkable. Cinematography is colorful and kinetic with some imaginative prehistoric-fantasia visuals, though it doesn't push the envelope beyond standard DreamWorks animation. Novelty suffers as a by-the-numbers sequel that recycles the original's fish-out-of-water themes without meaningfully expanding the world or concept. The ending resolves conflicts tidily and amiably, fitting for the family audience but offering no real emotional punch.