The Croods –  The Croods live in a cave and only venture out when necessary – just how dad, Grug, likes it. Daughter, Eep, on the other hand longs to see what’s out there. When she comes across a new, modern human called Guy, he insists that an apocalypse is near and that they must flee to a wonderful place called ‘Tomorrow’. Managing to persuade the family to leave, The Croods and Guy navigate new terrain and strange beasts but with the land behind them increasingly disappearing, will they make it or will Grug’s reluctance to change drag them back?

The Croods (2013) – Directors: Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders

Rating: U

Running Length: 98 minutes

Starring: Emma Stone, Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds 

Genres: Animated, Comedy

REVIEW: THE CROODS

While Pixar focus on fluffy stories like ‘Toy Story’, ‘Up’ and ‘The Incredibles’, Dreamworks are generally known for more unusual, subversive films like ‘Home’, ‘Despicable Me’, and ‘Megamind’. ‘The Croods’ is no exception. Cavemen are always a good source of comedy with everything we take for granted being treat with fear and suspicion – which makes perfect sense in a world where anything you don’t know could eat, crush, or poison you.

The Croods have survived thanks to Grug’s ‘fear everything new’ rules. Their dysfunctional family unit is done well, even if all but the three of the main characters – Eep (Emma Stone), Guy and Grug – barely get any kind of development. Their monotone lives are sparked into flames by modern Guy (Ryan Reynolds) and his slew of new ideas.  The usual trope of a character in charge not liking change is comfortably engaging and although Grug (Nicolas Cage) is a stick in the mud, he is likeable and is portrayed as a loving family man who feels the weight of responsibility: all he knows is that leaving the cave = danger.

The ‘New World’ that the Croods are forced to ‘meanderthal’ through is full of weird and wonderful creatures and lovely fantastical element. The colourful flora and fauna prevents the movie from ever being dull whilst also proving Grug has a point; everything will try to eat you given the chance. With plenty of exciting scenes throughout, the whole family are bound to be on the edge of their seats willing everyone to reach ‘Tomorrow’

CONTENT: IS ‘THE CROODS’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

A narration describes the different situations where the Crood’s neighbours have died. Basic animation humorously shows these things happening, such as them being stamped on, and stabbed by a huge mosquito.

There are several exciting scenes which become quite intense. In one, the Croods attempt to steal an egg from a huge flightless bird. This creature and several other animals chase after the characters. At one point they climb on top of a mammoth which runs fast. It looks like they will crash into a solid wall so two of the Croods hold onto its tusks and slam their feet into the ground, forcing its head down and slowing it. It flips over and crashes heavily onto its back. While the mammoth does not appear to have been badly injured, this casual using of an animal with no regard for its safety could teach kids that this behaviour is acceptable.

The family’s patriarch, Grug, feels that the only way to keep his family safe is to scare them and as such tells a story of his child’s teddy bear (a basic home-made toy with a wide open mouth and sharp teeth), saying that it was once alive but it’s curiosity of the outside world is what killed it. He shoves it towards the camera and exclaims that’s why terror is still frozen on its face.

Eep hears noises outside the cave at night and goes to investigate. There is around 2-3 minutes of dark lighting and creepy music which could be scary for younger children. This scene lightens towards the end and Eep is not in any danger.

The family suddenly have to escape their home when the ground beneath their feet splits and boulders start crashing down from above. They run for their lives and narrowly escape.

When entering a new place which is full of strange creatures, the Croods become aware that several animals are afraid of the sun going down. They soon find out why when some birds swarm around a large animal and reduce it down to bones in a few seconds.

Two characters get stuck in tar – one says ‘no-one gets out of this’ implying they will die. The other character realises they are talking about their family who suffered the same fate.

When in a desperate situation, a family member throws every member of the group across a large ravine, knowing that there is no way for them to follow. Everyone understands that this character is sacrificing themselves for the rest of them and they are all devastated.

A character paints on a wall, remembering their family and makes it look like their arms surround each member. This is a very sad moment.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT: IS ‘THE CROODS’ FOR KIDS?

A fun and exciting family film, ‘The Croods’ takes usual tropes and makes it all seem new. As several scenes are quite intense, younger viewers may find this movie quite scary, however all ages should be able to watch it, even if some reassurance is needed.

• Violence: 2/5 (the Croods are regularly attacked by animals and often narrowly escape. Grug is quite aggressive towards Guy throughout)
• Emotional Distress: 2/5 (a couple of scenes towards the end are upsetting)
• Fear Factor: 3/5 (intense and exciting scenes throughout, the scene where Eep investigates outside the cave at night is quite spooky)
• Sexual Content: 0/5
• Bad Language: 0/5
• Dialogue: 1/5 (One character says to another ‘Stop or I’ll pull out your tongue!’)
• Other Notes: deals with themes of family, change, new surroundings, trusting someone new, and acceptance.

Words by Laura Record