In the history of mankind, there have different historical periods in our evolution, from the Prehistoric dinosaurs to the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and even the Iron Age. I have often wondered when one period ends and the next one started. More importantly, did they overlap??
“Early Man” is the new animated film is co-written, voiced, and directed by Nick Park (Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out). With an additional cast of Eddie Redmayne (Les Misérables, The Danish Girl), Tom Hiddleston (Thor, Kong: Skull Island), Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones, Cyberbully), Timothy Spall (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Harry potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Miriam Margolyes (Romeo + Juliet, Cats & Dogs), Rob Brydon (The Trip, Marion & Geoff), Gina Yashere (Crashing, Bromwell High) and Mark Williams (Golden Years, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), it is the story of Dug (Redmayne), a caveman living with his tribe in the “Stone Age” lifestyle headed by Chief Bobnar (Spall). When their homeland is invaded by Lord Nooth’s (Hiddleston) “Bronze Age” and their big technological advantages, Dug makes a wager with him to defend their home.
The animation here is the same style that Park has used in the past in the “Wallace & Gromit” films of Claymation. It looks great, and if you liked the look of Parks other works, you may like the look also. When it comes to the acting/vocals, the cast does good overall conveying the emotions of their characters. My big complaint, though, is that the cavemen spoke in a proper English accent. When I think of cavemen, I do not think of the British. For some reason, I tried getting over it, but I could not get past that fact.
The film is about ninety minutes long, which is just about right, flowing well and keeping me interested. The plot is good for adults and kids both, with comedy that works for all. There were many subliminal jabs through the film of pop culture and real life people and events that kept things moving along. Overall, I did like the film and would recommend it as a matinee showing in the theaters.