The Croods * * * 1/2

A prehistoric family of (presumably) Neanderthals, the Croods, find their isolated existence of hiding from predators threatened by continental separation that destroys their cave.  They begrudgingly follow a young homo sapien, Guy, who offers to guide them on a long journey to safety.  Guy introduces them to new concepts, such as fire and shoes.  Father Crood hates Guy and is resistant to change, but along the way the Crood family learns that they can adapt and bond better as a family.

This is a relatively simple story that is just sentimental, funny, and different enough to make it a little more enjoyable than the average movie.

I am more impressed by the quality of the computer 3D animation by Dreamworks Animation, which is one of the most detailed I have seen.  The Croods seem to live in the land that evolution forgot.  They are surrounded by a large variety of weird creatures, most of which I am sure that never existed.  Nevertheless, this makes for a visually interesting movie.