Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Times are changing for Manny, a gruff woolly mammoth, Sid, a talkative sloth, and Diego, a sly saber-toothed tiger. When Sid finds a mysterious egg, the trio follow clues into an underground world where dinosaurs still survive. A sudden sinkhole splits the group, leaving Manny and Ellie to protect their makeshift herd while Sid, wracked with guilt, joins forces with Buck, a zany one-eyed weasel, to rescue a baby dinosaur and reunite everyone. The expedition tests loyalties, forces unlikely partnerships, and turns familiar ice-age routines upside down as the crew faces prehistoric hazards, comic chaos and the pressure of changing responsibilities, while humor and fast-paced action keep the tone lively and heartfelt.

Released in 2009 and directed by Carlos Saldanha, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs was written by Peter Ackerman, Michael Berg and Jason Carter Eaton, and features voices from Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah and Simon Pegg.

The film opened to strong audience interest and proved commercially successful worldwide, helping to sustain the Ice Age franchise and paving the way for further sequels and spin-offs aimed at families and younger viewers, and boosted ancillary revenue streams globally.

Dawn of the Dinosaurs broadened the series' mythology by revealing an elaborate underground ecosystem and introducing Buck, a manic one-eyed weasel voiced by Simon Pegg who quickly became a fan favorite, later returning in other franchise entries and merchandising tied to the films and inspiring theme-park attractions and shorts worldwide.

Reviews were mixed-to-positive, reflected in a user vote average of 6.763/10 from 8,688 votes, with critics praising its humor and spectacle while noting formulaic plotting. The film leans on themes of family bonds, adapting to change, responsibility and unlikely friendships amid adventurous set pieces, and it maintains broad appeal to younger audiences.