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THE CROODSMovie Reviews
Animated family adventure comedy about a prehistoric family who set out on a trip to find a new home when their cave is destroyed. Cast:Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke, Cloris LeachmanDirector:Chris SandersRelease Date:March 22, 2013DVD Release: TBD From:Dreamworks/20th Century FoxRating:PGLength:1 hr 38 minIn 3D
The Croods opened to good not great reviews. • Christy Lemire wrote for the Associated Press, "...features a strong, star-studded cast and dazzles visually in wondrously colorful, vibrant 3-D, but the script doesn't pop off the screen quite so effectively." More Reviews Below...
The Croods Positive Reviews (41 Reviews, reviews below)
Alynda Wheat, People: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...doesn't do much with its stale road-trip story, though kids will dig the slapstick humor. What does work are the vocal performances and the animation."(See all of Alynda Wheat's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 216 words, 03/21/13
Richard Corliss, Time: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...lively if nothing-new... shares 'Madagascar's' saucy visual sense... It's 'Identity Thief' with flying piranhas, or 'Plains, Trains & Automobiles' on foot."(See all of Richard Corliss's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 703 words, 03/22/13
Christy Lemire, Associated Press: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...features a strong, star-studded cast and dazzles visually in wondrously colorful, vibrant 3-D, but the script doesn't pop off the screen quite so effectively."(See all of Christy Lemire's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 543 words, 03/21/13
Mara Reinstein, Us Weekly: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...technically impressive -- if thematically standard.... While the kiddies sit in awe, adults will long for more from the bare-bones script."(See all of Mara Reinstein's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 136 words, 03/21/13
Claudia Puig, USA Today: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...has its imaginative moments... the striking spectacle of primordial flora and one-of-a-kind fauna makes it easy for audiences to get pleasantly lost in the adventure."(See all of Claudia Puig's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 513 words, 03/22/13
Kate Erbland, MSN Movies: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...it will absolutely keep the little ones enthralled.... a charmer that will leave the kids (and maybe even a few adults) feeling warm and fuzzy about prehistoric history..."(See all of Kate Erbland's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 466 words, 03/21/13
S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media: EXCELLENT(cg) "...funny and gorgeously animated.... Though the visuals are exciting, there's a steady heartbeat that booms at the movie's center.... has a wonderful message... Age 8."(See all of S. Jhoanna Robledo's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 793 words, 03/14/13
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NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES/CHICAGO/TORONTO (13 Reviews)
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times: MODERATE "...has a tired plot.... the movie is at its most interesting and amusing when riffing on how cavemen might have reacted to new experiences and ideas, like fire and shoes."(See all of Neil Genzlinger's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 244 words, 03/22/13
Miriam Bale, New York Daily News: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...it's best when speculating on the origins of human nature.... When it gets past the Stone Age humor, this weird film manages to find some gentle revelations."(See all of Miriam Bale's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 189 words, 03/22/13
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: MODERATE "...delivers some Crood amusement thanks to its cast -- no pun intended.... the movie is far too straight-laced when it desperately needs to loosen up."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 808 words, 03/22/13
Kyle Smith, New York Post: POOR(cg) "The film's message is that you have to get out there and try bold new things, which is a strange point to make when you're rehashing 'The Flintstones' and 'Ice Age.' "(See all of Kyle Smith's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 514 words, 03/22/13
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "It's 'Ice Age' with humans and less ice.... perpetually on the run, desperately full of action.... At least there's Cage, who has become an astute voice actor..."(See all of Michael Phillips's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 481 words, 03/22/13
Roger Moore, New York Newsday: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a gorgeous kids' cartoon with heart and wit.... the actors are, to a one, dazzling -- getting across emotions and delivering verbal zingers with great timing."(See all of Roger Moore's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 315 words, 03/22/13
Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine: MODERATE "...feels familiar.... isn't particularly smart, but it has just enough wit to keep us engaged and just enough speed to keep us from feeling restless."(See all of Bilge Ebiri's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 607 words, 03/22/13
Nell Minow, Chicago Sun-Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "...sweet.... Familiar family dynamics are amusingly exaggerated in the Paleolithic setting, where the most basic necessities require everyone's full-time attention."(See all of Nell Minow's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 563 words, 03/22/13
Nick Schager, Village Voice/LA Weekly: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...partially offsets its stock formula with passable one-liners and sincere heart.... does sweetly reconfirm that there's life still in the oldest jokes..."(See all of Nick Schager's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 208 words, 03/27/13
Peter Howell, Toronto Star: MODERATE(cg) "...a cross between a more retro 'Flintstones' and a more frantic 'Ice Age,' serving neither influence.... it seems far removed from its original intent."(See all of Peter Howell's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 712 words, 03/22/13
Liam Lacey, Toronto Globe & Mail: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...the lively visuals and unrelenting thrill-ride pace can't disguise rough-hewn storytelling... doesn't do much for the evolution of children's animated entertainment."(See all of Liam Lacey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 616 words, 03/22/13
Radheyan Simonpillai, Toronto Now: EXCELLENT(cg) "...proves that even the familiar and clichéd can be reformulated into something remarkably smart, fun and endearing.... has something for everybody..."(See all of Radheyan Simonpillai's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 240 words, 03/21/13
KEY CITIES (11 Reviews)
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...good, goofy fun, for a generation too young to have met Bamm-Bamm.... for those of more precocious intellects, it offers a little something extra to chew on..."(See all of Michael O'Sullivan's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 499 words, 03/22/13
Tirdad Derakhshani, Philadelphia Inquirer: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...visually dazzling, if empty-headed.... the movie is well-edited and lean, a fast-paced, action-filled bit of froth that manages to be diverting and surprisingly fun."(See all of Tirdad Derakhshani's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 387 words, 03/22/13
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star-Tribune: OUTSTANDING(cg) "Surprisingly clever, fast-paced but smart enough to pause for a touching family moment or two.... The voice cast is wonderful."(See all of Colin Covert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 480 words, 03/22/13
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "Cage is good, better than he's been in most of his recent live-action films.... Stone's spunky personality comes through in Eep, and Reynolds is fine as Guy."(See all of Bill Goodykoontz's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 621 words, 03/22/13
Tom Russo, Boston Globe: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "The filmmakers work overtime to knead a satisfying resolution from their themes about the importance of growth and living life unafraid. But they cop out..."(See all of Tom Russo's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 483 words, 03/22/13
Stephen Whitty, New Jersey Star-Ledger: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...has some funny lines.... Good vocal performances... imaginative -- if completely fictional -- creatures, and some truly outrageous color..."(See all of Stephen Whitty's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 506 words, 03/22/13
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a creative romp, light on focus but with plenty of ingenuity.... even the gratuitous cute animal sidekick feels pretty original."(See all of Peter Hartlaub's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 473 words, 03/22/13
Tom Keogh, Seattle Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "...fun... it's about storytelling -- cave paintings, hints of oral tradition, stumbling upon metaphors -- and the impulse to remember amid change."(See all of Tom Keogh's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 355 words, 03/22/13
Sean Daly, Tampa Bay Times: GOOD(cg) "The energy is infectious... if the animation doesn't have great textural feel, a couple of moments dazzle... the conclusion is exciting and, lo and behold, surprising."(See all of Sean Daly's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 517 words, 03/22/13
Tom Long, Detroit News: VERY GOOD(cg) "...the rare animated film that encourages kids to think outside the box.... This movie not only has its heart in the right place, it has its brain in the right place."(See all of Tom Long's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 501 words, 03/22/13
ALTERNATIVE/INDIE PRESS (8 Reviews)
Nick Schager, Village Voice/LA Weekly: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...partially offsets its stock formula with passable one-liners and sincere heart.... does sweetly reconfirm that there's life still in the oldest jokes..."(See all of Nick Schager's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 208 words, 03/27/13
Sean O'Connell, Cinema Blend: MODERATE(cg) "...entertaining enough... has a bad habit of circling back to its messages time and again, making the whole package feel a little uneven."(See all of Sean O'Connell's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 627 words, 03/21/13
Cynthia Fuchs, Pop Matters: WEAK(cg) "...an exercise in stretching out a series of action episodes, most familiar from other movies... from 'Avatar' and 'Shrek,' to 'Hotel Transylvania' and even a bit of 'Brave.' "(See all of Cynthia Fuchs's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 827 words, 03/22/13
Chris Cabin, Slant: WEAK(cg) "Visually, the film keeps the hits coming, but the comedy regularly reverts to broad familial jokes about how adorable overprotection is."(See all of Chris Cabin's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 407 words, 03/20/13
Radheyan Simonpillai, Toronto Now: EXCELLENT(cg) "...proves that even the familiar and clichéd can be reformulated into something remarkably smart, fun and endearing.... has something for everybody..."(See all of Radheyan Simonpillai's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 240 words, 03/21/13
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher: POOR(cg) "...it's the larger mystery of the Croods -- the actual family of characters and the world they inhabit -- that has me stumped. Who are they? How did they get where they are?"(See all of MaryAnn Johanson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 756 words, 03/20/13
HIGHBROW PRESS (3 Reviews)
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times: MODERATE "...has a tired plot.... the movie is at its most interesting and amusing when riffing on how cavemen might have reacted to new experiences and ideas, like fire and shoes."(See all of Neil Genzlinger's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 244 words, 03/22/13
Bob Mondello, NPR: MODERATE "...structurally crude.... as family viewing, it's pleasant enough: primitive, yes, but in a digitally sophisticated way that's boisterous, funny and will no doubt sell a lot of toys."(See all of Bob Mondello's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 442 words, 03/21/13
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: MODERATE "...delivers some Crood amusement thanks to its cast -- no pun intended.... the movie is far too straight-laced when it desperately needs to loosen up."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 808 words, 03/22/13
MOVIE INDUSTRY (5 Reviews)
Leslie Felperin, Variety: FAIR "...simply isn't very funny.... story deficiencies are fairly well papered over by the pacey, smoothly animated action scenes, delivered at regular intervals."(See all of Leslie Felperin's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 689 words, 02/15/13
David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...its mostly fast-moving roller coaster of kinetic action and its menagerie of fantastic creatures - from cute to menacing - should keep kids entertained."(See all of David Rooney's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 1,023 words, 02/15/13
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: MODERATE "...delivers some Crood amusement thanks to its cast -- no pun intended.... the movie is far too straight-laced when it desperately needs to loosen up."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 808 words, 03/22/13
Emanuel Levy, Cinema 24/7: GOOD(cg) "...borrows heavily from the 'Ice Age' movies.... has ample antic energy, especially in the visuals department... young, undiscriminating viewers should have a good time..."(See all of Emanuel Levy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 591 words, 03/20/13
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times: MODERATE "...has a tired plot.... the movie is at its most interesting and amusing when riffing on how cavemen might have reacted to new experiences and ideas, like fire and shoes."(See all of Neil Genzlinger's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 244 words, 03/22/13
14.8 Percentage Points Average Difference Between Reviews (Norm is 18.4pp; <18.4pp = More Consistent; >18.4pp = More Mixed)
The Croods's reviews are separated by an average 14.8 percentage points. The norm for this measure is 18.4 percentage points. Less than 18.4 indicates more consistent reviews; greater than 18.4 indicates more mixed reviews. In the chart below, each dot represents a review, with the dots at the top more positive than the dots at the bottom. From left to right, the dots represent reviews in big, bigger and biggest publications. Roll over each dot for more detail.
The Croods (41 reviews) Roll over dots for each review
Coverage:The Croods's reviews cover 81.3% of potential readers (average is 67.9%). Volume:The film's reviews total 20,049 words involume (average is 20,194 words). Length:The film's reviews average 489 words in length (the norm is 517 words).
The Croods Coverage, Volume & Length (41 Reviews, reviews below)
Reviews Broke 19.5 Hours Before Release (Norm is 1.2 Release)
The Croods's reviews on average broke 19.5 hours before opening. Norm for this measure is 1.2 hours before. The chart below shows reviews on opening day and the days before and after opening; the left side is earlier and the right side is later. The red bars extending above the horizontal mid-line represent more positive reviews, and the red bars extending below represent more negative reviews. The white space/red bar in the middle is The Croods's opening day. Click on any bar for a list of the reviews for that day.
The Croods (41 reviews, click on bars for reviews)
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