The original film about the prehistoric family Croodarna, known as The Croods in English, debuted in 2013. While not a box-office phenomenon, its success was sufficient to justify a sequel. That sequel, Croodarna 2: En Ny Tid, invites audiences to escape into the cinematic darkness and embark on another adventure with this eccentric family.
Guy (Ryan Reynolds) continues his search for the promised tomorrowland of his parents’ stories. His bond with Eep (Emma Stone) has deepened, and they both yearn for independence from the Croods’ communal sleep pile. Their journey leads them to the Betterman Family, where cultural differences quickly lead to conflict. When an external threat emerges, the two families must learn to cooperate.
The original Croodarna film offered considerable entertainment, incorporating mature humor and a willingness to push boundaries. Croodarna 2 – En Ny Tid proves a worthy successor, humorously addressing contemporary issues like excessive screen time. Furthermore, the film subverts familiar tropes, transforming what could have been a tedious love triangle into something unexpectedly different and refreshing. The English voice acting is particularly strong, with Peter Dinklage delivering a standout performance as the narcissistic Phil Betterman, complemented by Leslie Mann‘s perfect portrayal of his wife, Hope.
The Crood family retains the same voice cast as the first film, notably featuring veteran Cloris Leachman as the eccentric grandmother. Leachman’s passing in January 2021 at the age of 94 makes this her final film role. Having followed her career since her appearance in Mel Brooks’ Det våras för Frankenstein as the enigmatic Frau Blücher, it was particularly enjoyable to see her character given substantial screen time in Croodarna 2 – En Ny Tid.
The animation quality in Croodarna 2 – En Ny Tid is exceptional, and the action sequences are inventive and skillfully executed. The film provides ample entertainment for children, while also offering engaging content for older viewers. However, the narrative is somewhat straightforward, lacking significant plot twists.
In conclusion, Croodarna 2 – En Ny Tid is a worthwhile cinematic experience. It delivers 95 minutes of solid entertainment, justifying the investment of a movie ticket. Now, more than ever, it’s important to support cinemas by returning to the darkness!
