Have you ever felt a sense of déjà vu? This feeling is present throughout the latest addition to the beloved Ice Age franchise. In “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild,” the twin possum heroes, Eddie and Crash, find themselves in a situation that many fans of the series may recognize. “Have we been here before?” Eddie asks, and his brother Crash responds, “It does kinda look familiar.” As viewers, we can't help but agree!
This sixth installment of the Ice Age series, which does not include the two TV specials, ventures back into a narrative landscape that feels alarmingly similar to its predecessors. The film attempts to shift its focus away from the original beloved characters like Sid the Sloth and Manny the Mammoth, but the familiarity remains palpable. Interestingly, none of the original stars lend their voices this time, which adds a new layer to this already nostalgic ride.
Writers Jim Hecht, Ray DeLaurentis, and Will Schifrin have brought back several familiar faces from past films, including Eddie and Crash, who first appeared in “Ice Age: The Meltdown.” The narrative is set within the same underground world introduced in “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” cleverly weaving in old characters, including a cameo from Momma Dino. The film also introduces new characters, such as the charismatic polecat Zee, voiced by Justina Machado, and the villainous dinosaur Orson, portrayed by Utkarsh Ambudkar, who refresh the storyline and prevent it from feeling stagnant.
- Familiarity of the Ice Age franchise continues with new and old characters.
- Writers attempt to bring a fresh perspective while maintaining the essence of the series.
- The film explores themes of courage and independence through its new heroes, Eddie and Crash.
- New characters add depth and excitement to the existing narrative.
As we dive deeper into the adventures of Eddie and Crash, we see a plot that centers around their coming-of-age journey. Feeling constrained by their herd, the duo decides it's time to forge their own destinies. This quest leads them to the Lost World, where they encounter Buck, a one-eyed weasel with a heart of gold, who helps guide them through their trials against the villainous Orson. “Dinos rule, mammals drool!” Orson declares, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
