Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Springtime fun and laughs from friendly prehistoric herd.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ice Age: The Great Egg-scapade
What's the Story?
In ICE AGE: THE GREAT EGG-SCAPADE, enterprising Sid (John Leguizamo) starts an egg-sitting service for the community's busy parents. Soon business is booming, but when he nods off while on duty, piratical rabbit Squint (Seth Green) swoops in and steals Sid's charges, planning to hold them hostage until Manny (Ray Romano) provides him with a new ship. With the fate of the younglings hanging in the balance, Manny, Sid, and Diego (Denis Leary) set out to find the missing eggs, joined by Squint's kindlier brother, Clint (Blake Anderson).
Is It Any Good?
That everything you've come to love about the Ice Age herd is on full display in this Easter special actually works against fans here because of the show's time constraints. Twenty-two minutes just isn't enough time to properly appreciate the many personalities in play; most sadly, Skrat is relegated to brief (but hilarious nonetheless) spots as the story opens and closes. The story itself is a fun addition to this endearing franchise, but it leaves you wanting more of this prehistoric crew. On the other hand, if this happens to be your kids' introduction to the cast, know going in that it assumes you know their history, especially with regard to Squint's grudge against Manny.
The Great Egg-Scapade is spirited watch-together fare for spring, and fans of every age will chuckle over how the story spins the origins of traditions such as egg hunts, April Fools' Day, chocolate bunnies, and the Easter Bunny. Predictably, there also are feel-good themes about the warm fuzzies that come from being part of a family (or herd, as the case may be), especially touching when they're expressed by the standoffish teenager, Peaches (Keke Palmer).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what binds together members of a family. Manny and the others circle the wagons when Sid's in trouble in Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade. When have you seen the same kind of loyalty within your family? How does being part of a family give you a sense of belonging?
How do the Ice Age characters illustrate the importance of judging others on their character, not on their outward appearance? How does doing so encourage compassion and understanding? In a real-world setting, would these animals be friendly toward each other? Why, or why not?
Do you know the real origins of springtime traditions such as egg hunting and April Fools' Day? Are these traditions you celebrate in your house? If not, what does this time of year inspire in you instead?
How do the characters in Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade demonstrate teamwork? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 20, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2017
- Cast : Ray Romano , Queen Latifah , Denis Leary
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Network
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 25 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate