The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

From the creator of all-time classics such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and the recent animated hit, How to Train Your Dragon, director Chris Sanders – along with writer and co-director Kirk DeMicco – has created a charming and colourful prehistoric-themed animation worthy of its hype.

The Croods follows the adventures of a prehistoric family – a clan of fearful cave-inhabitants who are afraid of, well, absolutely everything. The father and clan leader, Grug (Cage), constantly ignites fear into his family; the ever so inquisitive and fiery daughter Eep (Stone), dutiful wife, Ugga (Keener), panicky and chubby son, Thunk (Duke), and terror-baby, Sandy (Thom).  He believes that fear is the only key to survival and insists on keeping his family locked in a rocky hole for the rest of their lives. 

His strict rules and daily mantra, ‘never don’t be afraid’,  doesn’t cause him too many problems with anyone but Eep, who cannot imagine living within the dark walls of the cave for the rest of her life. One night, on a secret quest for a new adventure, she meets Guy (Reynolds); a slightly more advanced caveman who has learned the secrets of fire, and is warned of a danger that is soon approaching.

Before long, Guy’s premonitions come true in the form of a deadly earthquake, which ultimately sends the family on a hunt for a new place to call home. 

Based on a story written by Monty Python’s John Cleese, The Croods delivers a colourful and a lively coming-of-age story; one that is packed with interesting characters and many laughs.  The script, although not as sharp or as engaging as one would hope, still manages to stand on its own two feet thanks to great vocal performances and spectacular visuals. Sanders and DeMicco make great use of 3D, bringing the various vibrant landscapes to life.

Refreshingly, Cage is funny and extremely compelling, while Stone, who resembles her character, is just as engaging. As the highly developed caveman, Reynolds gets by with just enough charm and swag to survive the ridicule.   

In the end, The Croods is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and although it might not compare to the likes of Toy Sotry or Shrek, it still manages to deliver enough charm and wit to keep audiences – especially the younger ones – very happy.