On July 22, Ice Age: Collision Course hits theaters. In the 5th film in the Ice Age series, the whole crew is back and getting ready for Peach’s upcoming wedding when Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. 
Earlier this summer. I had the opportunity to screen the film and talk with stars Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Wanda Sykes, John Leguizamo, Max Greenfield and Josh Peck. Since this is the 5th film in the Ice Age series I was curious to know how the filmmakers and actors keep the story fresh and the audience wanting more. Max Greenfield, who is new to the series said "I think they balance really well the comedy and the drama, and I think that’s a really hard thing to do. Sometimes you hit the comedy too hard and the drama feels like its unearned. And sometimes you hit the drama too hard, and the comedy is kind of out of place. So, I think they thread the needle really well. I think the family element, how they have added these characters in each movie, so the series evolves, but you’re still with your main crew. “
Ray Romano who plays Manny and has been in all 5 says "It’s always fun to do and to see a new story and to see the family evolve because for me it’s fun because whatever is happening in the movie usually is happening in my family because my daughter had just moved out of the house about two years ago, and that’s what’s happening now to Manny and Ellie."
Wanda Sykes and John Leguizamo are already planning the 6th film which they see as very sloth- centered.
We also talked about the role and impact that entertainment has on children today, and what kind of impression they wanted to make with these films.
John Leguizamo said “what I’ve always loved about the series, especially being a Latin man and person of color, was the different species coming together and accepting each other and working together. We saved a planet. I love that message and I always found it very strong, and it was something I loved my children to hear and see. So, I’ve always loved it. It’s not blood, it’s loyalty and acceptance."
Queen Latifah had an amazing take on it, that left me a bit teary. She said “ I think it’s always important that kids see themselves reflected in the stories they see, so anything that speaks to being okay with being yourself, with being different--being different, being normal--being different is normal. Kids are trying to figure things out. Sometimes things should not be that deep. They should really be kind of simple, they should be fun. I mean, kids’ lives are about innocence and learning and growing and making lots of mistakes.
And so, anything that makes them have to be perfectionists--it’s okay to strive for that, but if you fall a little short, life is not over because they’re kids. There has to be some redemption in things or second chances in things, so the kids know, 'Hey, you’re okay. You made a mistake, own it, whatever. But, get up, and dust yourself off, and try again,' all those life lessons I think that are important.
I just think that today we are smarter than we’re behaving as human beings. And I think we could show much more compassion, I think we could show much more inclusiveness. I think we can completely disagree respectfully, and we should see what it looks like to not agree with someone at all but yet not kill them, not take their head off, you know, not bully them. So, it’s not to say those things don’t exist.
It’s just that we’re trying to teach kids at the same time and show them that there is a better way, better than what we even did, better than what our parents did. And we’re supposed to grow. So, I mean, I like to see those stories told. But, at the end of the day, if you sit a kid down, and they tell you what they feel, that’s the truth. And you have to hear them on that.
So, it’s not about you trying to tell them what they feel and think. Just hear where they’re coming from because it’s going to be honest, more honest than us in this room. Kids will be honest because they haven’t learned to lie like we have or to cover things up. So, I just think it’s important to hear where they are coming from and then also show them the way, so to speak, and then let them take over.”
Ice Age: Collision Course is a really fun movie that will have your little ones laughing in their seats. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with the actors about the film.
Check out the trailer HERE
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