Ice Age - PG\nFeaturing the voices of: Ray Romano, \nJohn Leguizamo, Denis Leary\nDirected by: Chris Wedge\nShowing: Showplace West 12\nFox's animation department, having recovered from the horror that was "Titan A.E.," has now successfully ripped off Disney. As evidence, I submit to you the film "Ice Age."\nA computer animated feature similar in design and presentation to "Toy Story" or "Monsters, Inc.," "Ice Age" is an amusing buddy picture, though the buddies in this film are anything but ordinary. First, we have a wooly mammoth named Manfred, voiced by Ray Romano of TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond." He is joined by the unbelievably irritating Sid, a sloth, with a voice provided by the impressive vocal talents of John Leguizamo. Rounding out our trio is the always amusing Denis Leary, providing the voice of Diego, a saber-toothed tiger.\nHowever, the most memorable character is probably that of Scrat, a half squirrel/half rat character that appears several times throughout the film, desperately trying to hide an acorn and being thwarted, Wylie Coyote style, at every turn. Scrat isn't really part of the direct overall storyline, but he's certainly an amusing distraction.\nIn typical Disney style the three wisecracking main characters go off on a romp to return a lost human to its family. And, just like a Disney film, the only way the moral could be more blatant is if it slammed you upside the head with a sledgehammer. You see, it's the been-there-seen-this feel of "Ice Age" that keeps it from really reaching the ranks of a "Toy Story." Heck, the film is barely an "Antz," and that's saying something. \nIt's not that the film is bad by any means. In fact, it's a very entertaining movie; just not anything remarkable. Kids, undoubtedly the target audience, will be absolutely delighted. I know for a fact that the kids in the theater when I saw the film were very impressed, and the auditorium was filled with their laughter. However, for the older audience, this film might be one to pass on, or at least one to pick up at the video store for fun with your significant other. \nAs a cheesy date movie, sure, you'll be fine; it's safe, has some laughs and is generally amusing. Otherwise, wait for this to come out on video, or go with a young sibling.\n
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