The Croods

The Croods isn't particularly smart, but it has just enough wit to keep us engaged and just enough speed to keep us from feeling restless.

It captures the wonder (and more gently, the anxiety) of discovery time and time again. And the filmmakers have a hoot playing with the Croods' encounters with, as well as their misunderstandings of, all things new.

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.

The animation is first-rate, with moments of genuine visual imagination, and the story, while unremarkable, is entirely adequate.

How to Train Your Dragon" and "Lilo & Stitch" are completely indicative of the experience you'll have with "The Croods," which is to say a supremely positive one.

It may not be an instant animated classic, but it's a charmer that will leave the kids ... feeling warm and fuzzy ...

"The Croods" survives an unsteady second act thanks to a sturdy beginning (including a lovely introductory sequence) and an even sturdier conclusion.

The first act may be a little slow, but once this animated comedy gets rolling, it's a rollicking good family movie with upbeat messages and a happy ending-with enough eye-popping peril to interest even the most jaded of your teen video gameplayers.

A fun glimpse into father-daughter relationships and the power of family to persevere even when the fear of change threatens its very existence.

Boisterous, colourful and warm-hearted, with energetic action scenes, knockabout slapstick humour and lush visuals.

An animated film that has it all: captivating characters, rich thematic material, humor, imaginative visuals, and an adventuresome quest.

Set four million years in the past, The Croods nonetheless feels like a step-forward for the usually pop-culture cribbing DreamWorks' studio. More like this, please.