'Ice Age 3' getting warmer but still not hot

November 4, 10:04 AMPhoenix Movie ExaminerJoseph J. Airdo

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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Twentieth Century Fox's "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" proves the theory that some things never change. However, in this case that is not necessarily a good thing.

Although it is true that the "Ice Age" franchise has come a long way since its first installment, the filmmakers' attempts still are not aligned with what the audience wants - more Scrat. One would think the folks behind this series of films would recognize the success Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures had with last year's "Wall-E." Although the flick featured almost as little dialogue as the silent movies of yesteryear, the animators were able to convey a captivating story full of heart.

There are hints of similar potential in "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," including a scene that humorously exposes Scrat's beloved-but-elusive acorn's true feelings. As illogical as that sounds, it is a prime example of the greatness a full-length feature film starring Scrat could attain. Instead, the audience gets a third helping of the franchise's other characters. Except this time the action is pumped up a few notches thanks to the addition of a new character.

"Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," which is now available on DVD, revisits Manny the mammoth (Ray Romano), Sid the sloth (John Leguizamo) and Diego the saber-tooth tiger (Denis Leary) on the tail end of Ellie the mammoth's (Queen Latifah) pregnancy. An argument between Manny, who is busy baby-proofing nature, and Diego, who is beginning to show the signs of aging, causes the pair to part ways.

Meanwhile, Sid, feeling lonely as a result of his friends' preoccupation with other things, sets out in search of a family of his own. He stumbles upon three dinosaur eggs which subsequently hatch and attract an angry mother tyrannosaurus rex. She scoops up her offspring along with Sid and disappears beneath the ice. The ordeal brings Manny and Diego back together in order to save their old pal.

The rescue mission takes them to a land they never knew existed. Dangerous dinosaurs lurk around every corner. Fortunately, they encounter Buck (Simon Pegg), a weasel who has adapted to - and conquered - the environment. And so the search for Sid officially begins. Of course, Scrat is along for the ride, as well. However, this time he encounters a female squirrel who wants the acorn just as much as he does.

And while there may be less Scrat in "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" than either of its two predecessors, it is the characters best material to date. The entire film has evolved from its overly simplistic beginnings. Even the primary plot feels a little more action-packed than usual. So, overall, this can be considered a success.

But that success may be concentrated on the franchise's younger audience members. Although there are more mature-over-kids'-heads jokes than in the other two "Ice Age" films, this project feels like a hyperactive Saturday morning cartoon. Messages about sticking together as a family are lost amid all of the action. Unfortunately, that just makes this movie have slightly less value than others who perfect insightful entertainment.

It should be noted that the sudden discovery of a different world is somewhat of a stretch - even for an animated film. Someone must have been reaching pretty hard just to keep the series alive. Even the addition of Buck feels forced, like Twentieth Century Fox is mapping out a spin off of some sort. At least he is not as annoying as possums Crash (Seann William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck), who were carried over from "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown."

But the flick is worth a watch for anyone who has seen the first two installments. It is nice to keep up with Manny, Sid and Diego but they are fairly two-dimensional characters - despite "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" being exhibited in 3D during its theatrical run. Scrat offers more but the filmmakers refuse to offer more Scrat. Perhaps they just want to keep him as elusive to us as his acorn is to him.