“The Croods: A New Age,” also known as Croods 2, is a vibrant and hilarious sequel to the original Croods film by DreamWorks Animation. This animated sequel takes viewers on another prehistoric adventure with the beloved Crood family as they face new challenges, meet new friends (and foes), and learn important lessons about family, teamwork, and adaptation. But is this family movie truly safe for kids? In this comprehensive movie review, we’ll dive into the visuals, story, humor, and content concerns, breaking down the PG rating to help parents make informed decisions.
The Croods: A New Age Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
The Croods: A New Age is more than just a prehistoric comedy—it’s a story about evolution, relationships, and understanding differences. Here’s a breakdown of what parents need to know.
Story and Themes
The Croods are back and still searching for a place to call home. Their journey leads them to the lush and sophisticated world of the Bettermans, a family who claim to be more “evolved.” The contrast between the Croods’ rugged survivalist lifestyle and the Bettermans’ modern conveniences creates plenty of caveman humor, misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments.
Core Themes:
- Family and Unity: The Croods and the Bettermans learn to overcome their differences and work together.
- Adaptation: The film humorously portrays the clash between tradition and modernity, encouraging flexibility and open-mindedness.
- Teamwork and Friendship: The characters form unlikely alliances, teaching viewers the value of cooperation.
The movie balances laughs with heartfelt moments, offering messages that resonate with both kids and adults.
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Positive Role Models
The characters in The Croods: A New Age showcase various traits that make them relatable and inspiring.
- Eep (voiced by Emma Stone): A headstrong and adventurous teen who values her family above all.
- Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage): A protective father who learns to trust and adapt.
- Guy (voiced by Ryan Reynolds): A resourceful and clever addition to the Crood family, offering emotional depth and humor.
- The Bettermans: Initially portrayed as elitist, they evolve into more empathetic and understanding characters by the film’s end.
These characters demonstrate bravery, adaptability, and teamwork, making the movie not just entertaining but also meaningful.
The Visuals
DreamWorks Animation excels once again with The Croods: A New Age, delivering stunning visuals that captivate audiences of all ages.
Animation Style and Highlights
The movie features:
- Vibrant Landscapes: From lush jungles to colorful sunsets, the environments are richly detailed and imaginative.
- Creative Creature Designs: The hybrid animals, such as punch monkeys and wolf-spiders, add humor and excitement.
- Fluid Action Scenes: The fast-paced animated sequences are dynamic and visually engaging.
Compared to the original Croods, this sequel pushes the boundaries of animation with advanced textures, lighting, and seamless transitions, making it a true visual treat.
The Story
Croods 2 strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotional depth, making it a compelling story for families.
Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)
The Croods stumble upon a seemingly idyllic paradise inhabited by the Bettermans, who welcome them but subtly look down on their “uncivilized” ways. As tensions rise, the families must unite to face external threats and find common ground.
The narrative is full of laughs, from toilet humor to witty one-liners, while also delivering heartfelt lessons on relationships and growth.
That PG Rating Explained
The PG rating of The Croods: A New Age is primarily due to mild peril, animated violence, and rude humor. Let’s break it down:
Content Concerns for Parents
- Violence: The movie includes animated action scenes, such as characters battling creatures or escaping danger. It’s all depicted humorously and without realistic harm.
- Rude Humor: Expect toilet humor, silly gags, and jokes about caveman life, all designed to amuse kids without crossing inappropriate boundaries.
- Mature Themes: Subtle references to teenage romance and family disagreements are present but handled tastefully.
Suitable for Sensitive Kids?
While most kids will enjoy the film’s humor and action, very sensitive children might find some scenes with peril or loud noises slightly overwhelming.
What Age Rating Is Recommended to Watch The Croods: A New Age?
This animated film is best suited for kids aged 7 and up. Younger children can watch it too, but parents may need to explain some themes or supervise during fast-paced sequences.
Comparison Table: Age Suitability vs. Content
Age Group | Suitability | Reason |
---|---|---|
Under 5 Years | Not recommended | Fast-paced action, complex humor |
5-6 Years | Parental supervision advised | Some mild peril and mature themes |
7+ Years | Highly suitable | Entertaining and age-appropriate |
Teens and Adults | Enjoyable | Witty humor and layered storytelling |
Overall Verdict: Is The Croods: A New Age Safe for Kids?
In short, yes—The Croods: A New Age is a family-friendly movie with a focus on humor, adventure, and meaningful themes. Its mild action and rude humor are well within the bounds of the PG rating, making it a great pick for family movie night. Parents may want to discuss the movie’s themes of teamwork and adaptability with younger viewers to reinforce its positive messages.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Croods: A New Age
Is The Croods: A New Age appropriate for preschoolers?
It depends on the child’s maturity. While the humor is age-appropriate, some action scenes may be too intense for very young viewers.
Does the movie include toilet humor?
Yes, there are a few instances of toilet humor, but they’re light-hearted and designed to amuse kids.
Can teenagers enjoy this movie?
Absolutely! The humor, visuals, and deeper themes about family and relationships make it appealing to older audiences too.
Looking for More Family Movie Reviews?
If you enjoyed this family movie review, check out other great titles:
- Raya and the Last Dragon: A Parent’s Guide
- Encanto Movie Review: Magical Fun for the Whole Family
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines: A Family Adventure
The Croods: A New Age offers a delightful blend of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, making it a standout in DreamWorks Animation’s lineup. Whether you’re a fan of animated sequels or simply looking for a movie to enjoy with your kids, this film ticks all the right boxes. Don’t miss it streaming now on your favorite platforms!
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.