Some franchises should pack away their drawing boards and gracefully melt away. ‘Ice Age’ began with a bang in 2002 and, a decade later, we have a stumbling and fumbling part four in 3D.

[pullquote_right]Ice Age 4: Continental Drift might be fine for a family outing if you have nothing better to do, and if, as a fan, you want to bid a wishful adieu to a sinking ship.[/pullquote_right]

Directed by Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier, we return to the Ice Age when mammoths still existed. This time the central characters embark on an adventure when their continent is set adrift. It’s all a result of Scrat’s (the squirrel-rat’s) endless quest for his elusive acorn.

Floating on vast icebergs, Sid, Diego and Manny must battle the pirate Captain Gutt before they can find their way home and reunite with their friends and family. Keeping the 3D tech in mind, some of the scenes are extravagant roller-coaster rides some of which might be a little too frightening for children in the audience.

The story is stretched, contrived and lacks the charm and humour of the earlier films. It’s the starry voices to the animated characters that keep you involved – Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Queen Latifah make a comeback. Jennifer Lopez, Peter Dinklage, Nicki Minaj, Simon Pegg and Kunal Nayar join the cast of star voices that bring alive characters such as Shira, Gutt, Steffie, Buck and Gupta.

Rating: **

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift might be fine for a family outing if you have nothing better to do, and if, as a fan, you want to bid a wishful adieu to a sinking ship.