Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fifth installment is fine but not-so-fresh prehistoric fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ice Age: Collision Course
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is generally enjoyed for its humor and animation, with many describing it as a family must-see despite some inappropriate themes and scary moments for younger viewers. While some reviews express disappointment with the later installments of the series, many find it entertaining and suitable for both kids and adults, although there are concerns about its crude humor and underlying messages.
- family entertainment
- humor and action
- inappropriate themes
- mixed reviews
- nostalgic value
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say that while some enjoy the humor and animation, many feel the film caters solely to younger audiences and does not deliver the same quality as previous installments. The repetitive plot, overabundance of characters, and crass humor disappointed fans who loved the franchise, leaving them longing for a return to the earlier films’ charm and creativity.
- solid animation
- weak plot
- too many characters
- mainly for kids
- franchise fatigue
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE begins with Scrat accidentally creating the known solar system, courtesy of an alien space ship that had been frozen in a glacier. Once in outer space, Scrat continues his never-ending quest for his beloved acorn, only to wreak so much interplanetary havoc that he causes an asteroid to head straight toward Earth. Back on Earth, the prehistoric squad of wooly mammoth Manny (voiced by Ray Romano); his mate, Ellie (Queen Latifah); saber-tooth tiger Diego (Denis Leary); and sloth Sid (John Leguizamo) deal with the surprise engagement of Manny's and Ellie's daughter, Peaches (Keke Palmer), to mastodon Julian (Adam Devine). To Manny's chagrin, Julian, whose philosophy is "no plan is the best plan," and Peaches want to leave the herd to "roam" around after the wedding -- but once it's clear an asteroid is coming, the group becomes singularly focused on survival and teaming up with their clever weasel friend, Buck (Simon Pegg).
Is It Any Good?
For a series that's long overstayed its welcome, this fifth (and hopefully final) installment still manages to elicit a few laughs. It also references everything from Neil deGrasse Tyson and hash tags to profile pictures and bro handshakes. Thankfully, the trendy comments, while plentiful, aren't so that constant they become obnoxious. In fact, one of the best sequences in the story is reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan, with Buck singing a super-fast, talky song to the tune of "Figaro's Aria" from the The Barber of Seville.
What bogs down Ice Age: Collision Course is the sense that we've seen all of this before in the previous installments -- and we more or less have. Aside from Peaches' engagement and the introduction of a hippie commune of animals who've discovered the fountain of youth (thanks to naturally magnetic crystals), the new storyline brings little that's fresh to the franchise. While it's no doubt going to make younger kids laugh -- particularly the lovesick Sid, his snarky grandma (Wanda Sykes), and the goofball brothers Crash and Eddie (Seann William Scott and Josh Peck) -- Collision Course isn't likely to fully charm parents.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's scary parts. Do you think they're OK for little kids? How much scary stuff can kids handle?
Does humor make violent movie scenes less scary? Why or why not?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
How would you describe the central message of the Ice Age series? What defines a family? Who are the family members in this movie?
Why do you think sequels are so popular? Does the Ice Age series feel complete now, or would you like to see another one? How does Collision Course compare to the four others? Which is your favorite?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 22, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : October 11, 2016
- Cast : Ray Romano , Denis Leary , Simon Pegg , John Leguizamo
- Directors : Mike Thurmeier , Galen T. Chu
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild rude humor and some action/peril
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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