Following the huge financial success of the third movie, there was no surprise that another sequel of the popular franchise would be announced. Released across the world throughout June and July of 2012, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift puts the Sub-Zero Heroes on high seas after a catastrophic world-changing event caused by Scrat.

Manny, Diego, and Sid are separated from the others on a floating iceberg, and are desperate to get back home. However, they are not alone. Sid’s Granny is found as a stowaway, and menacing pirates are on the lookout to get our heroes in their hands, although one of these pirates may melt Diego’s heart. Meanwhile back at home, Manny’s daughter Peaches is now a teenager, where she gets into relationship issues between her crush Ethan and her best friend Louis.

Despite Blue Sky’s attempts to expand the series with many more new characters, reception on Ice Age 4 was mixed-to-poor by critics, and polarising amongst fans. Some enjoyed the movie for its wit, heart, and impressive animation, while others felt it was an unnecessary entry to an overstayed franchise with recycled plot elements and an overabundance of underdeveloped characters. While it made less money in North America than the previous films, it was still a major hit overseas as it surpassed Ice Age 3’s international gross, bringing in a total of $877 million worldwide.

Technical description of the film:

• Country of origin: United States
• Directors: Steve Martino, Mike Thurmeier
• Producers: John C. Donkin, Lori Forte
• Screenplay: Michael Berg, Jason Fuchs
• Story: Michael Berg, Lori Forte
• Music: John Powell
• Distributor: 20th Century Fox
• Studio: Blue Sky Studios
• MPAA rating: PG
• Running time: 88 minutes

English voices:

• Ray Romano - Manny
• John Leguizamo - Sid
• Denis Leary - Diego
• Jennifer Lopez - Shira
• Wanda Sykes - Granny
• Peter Dinklage - Captain Gutt
• Nick Frost - Flynn
• Raz - Rebel Wilson
• Aziz Ansari - Squint
• Queen Latifah - Ellie
• Keke Palmer - Peaches
• Josh Gad - Louis
• Nicki Minaj - Steffie
• Drake - Ethan
• Sean William Scott - Crash
• Josh Peck - Eddie
• Chris Wedge - Scrat

Theatrical release in the USA: July 13, 2012
DVD/Blu-ray release in the USA: December 11, 2012