Unfortunately, as the story shifts from the search for Sid to the random happenings of other animals in the forest, a strong sense of storytelling is lost in the process. In an attempt to keep even the most A-D-D kids and their long-suffering parents along for the ride entertained, there's simply way too much going on for no particular gain. Sure, what's happening looks appealing in terms of pure visuals, but there isn't much actual method to the madness. And again, a sense of humor would've definitely helped.

After all, when it comes to whether a kids' movie works or not, the kids themselves are always the best gauge. And these kids—a full house, no less—watching Ice Age:  Dawn of the Dinosaurs on a Saturday morning weren't laughing. Not even at the scatological humor, which is usually good for at least a few chuckles, no matter how lowbrow. Instead, there was a whole lot of squirming in their seats, a sign that no matter how cool things look in 3-D, the story still matters, which is probably why the Ice Age franchise is a little too prehistoric and might consider extinction—or at least a reboot the next time around.

CAUTIONS:

• Drugs/Alcohol:  None.
• Language/Profanity:  None, but there are instances of rude scatological humor.
• Sex/Nudity:  There are a couple of homosexual innuendos about a caterpillar finally "coming out" and a scene where two male animals say they're feeling tingly when standing by each other
• Violence:  There are numerous scary moments when Manny and the crew are trying to rescue their friend and fend off the dinosaurs. 
  
   

Christa Banister is a full-time freelancer writer, specializing in music, movies and books-related reviews and interviews and is the author of two novels, Around the World in 80 Dates and Blessed Are the Meddlers. Based in St. Paul, Minn., she also weighs in on various aspects of pop culture on her personal blog. 

For more information, including her upcoming book signings and sample chapters of her novels, check out her Website.