Ice Age Synopsis It's the beginning of the Ice Age in prehistoric times and herds of animals are migrating to avoid the oncoming and permanent wintry weather. That is, except for daffy Sid the Sloth (voice of JOHN LEGUIZAMO) who's overslept as usual and has been abandoned by his family. After a bad run-in with two ill-tempered rhinos, Sid flees for his life and then runs into Manfred the Mammoth (voice of RAY ROMANO) who's heading against the flow of traffic. Manfred's sheer size allows him to defeat the rhinos' attack and that makes Sid think he's found a new friend. Manny wants nothing to do with the little fellow, though, and makes no bones about that, but Sid won't let him be. Meanwhile, a group of saber-toothed tigers -- Soto, the leader, and his followers, Diego and two others - are planning an attack on a tribe of humans they claim has killed half of their pack. Hungry for revenge and dinner, Soto orders Diego to seize a toddler and return it alive to him. The tiger attempts to do that, but the child's mother manages to escape, but without ultimately sacrificing her life. The human child eventually lands in the possession of Manny and Sid, with the former wanting nothing to do with it until Diego's arrival and statement that he simply wants to return the baby to its tribe. Not trusting the tiger, Manny decides to return the toddler himself, but Diego warns that without his tracking abilities, the mammoth, sloth and the toddler might perish in the harsh environs. From that point on, and as a saber-toothed squirrel, Scrat repeatedly comes across their path all while trying to protect and bury his precious acorn, the unlikely trio sets out to return the baby, with only Diego aware of what lies waiting for them at the end of their journey. The Message Several minor spiritual connections occur around the topics of ego, success, and choices. Two major themes, though, rise to the top. First, Manny & Sid exhibits truly inspiring character traits, epitomizing loyalty, bravery, compassion, and humility. They willingly, even at the risk of there own lives, defend there friends and the weak. Internalizing these traits improves not only our individual lives but also society at large. For example, the film's most powerful scenes depict the animals caring for a lost human child. Christians can emulate this tenderness by taking up the cause for all those who are lost. The second subject involves prejudice. Some of the "herds" in the film are contemptuous toward those who mingle with others. While racism (hate based on skin or fur color) is an easier sin to spot, prejudice (hate based on a quality other than skin color) can remain hidden and potent. People can be disdainful of others' religious affiliations, social class, mental capacities, region of residence, music preferences&ldots;anything. We should all try to understand the insidious nature of prejudice, how to identify any prejudicial attitudes within themselves, and the process for erasing them. Anyone watching Ice Age with a guarded heart will enjoy the adventure and find many admirable qualities in its heroes. Scriptures Eph 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Eph 4:2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, Eph 4:3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to to the one hope that belongs to your call, Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. Mat 9:10 And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. Mat 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Mat 9:12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Mat 9:13 Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Acceptance Theme: To be Christ like means to offer acceptance to every person. Scripture: Matthew 8:1-3 Message: Ice Age exemplifies the value of accepting other people, no questions asked. By helping the human baby, this scene recalls a similar situation in Jesus' life when he broke every social rule in the book by touching a leper. It's even more astonishing to consider the way the sinless Son of God made himself completely approachable to destitute sinners. You are encourage to adopt an attitude similar to Jesus' (and the animals)-making everyone they meet feel comfortable, equal, and accepted. Discussion Questions:  ·Has an "important" person ever treated you with unexpected respect or consideration? If so, how did it make you feel? ·How would you define "acceptance"? What does it really mean to accept someone? ·What motivates us to withhold acceptance from people? When have you experienced not being accepted? What happened? ·Read aloud Matthew 8:1-3. Mat 8:1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; Mat 8:2 and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." Mat 8:3 And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. ·How do you think the people of Jesus' time reacted when he touched this leper? What do Jesus' actions reveal about him? What do you think he was trying to tell us? ·What reasons do Christians have for not accepting certain types of people? Did Jesus ever withhold acceptance from anyone? Why or why not? ·What's the hardest part about accepting everyone? being forgiving? letting go of being "right"? letting go of being "cool"? what others will think of you? ·What's a specific way you could extend acceptance to someone you know who needs it? Other Topics for discussion Choices Theme: We have a responsibility to make Christ like choices. Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15 Message: We want desperately to believe that choices can be made in a vacuum, affecting no one but ourselves. That's not true. Not only do choices have a lifetime affect on the person who makes them, but every choice also sets off a ripple effect. As Christians, we have a great responsibility to use our power in Christ to make wise choices. Discussion Questions: ·Do you believe your choices today determine who you'll become? Why or why not? ·What "power" do Christians have, and what responsibility does this give us regarding our choices? ·Read aloud Joshua 24:14-15. Jos 24:14 "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. Jos 24:15 And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." ·Does your decision to serve God form the basis for your important decisions? everyday choices? Why or why not? ·Why does every choice you make affect those around you, whether or not you intend to affect them? ·How can you learn to consistently make Christlike choices? OUR WORD TO THE WISE: Various scenes of animals fighting are present (where the intent is to harm or kill others), while various instances of slapstick style material (animals hitting or being hit by others or objects, being smashed, etc. for laughs) also occur. Some of those scenes and other moments of apparent peril (such as saber-toothed tigers attacking others and trying to seize a human baby) could be unsettling, suspenseful or downright frightening to some younger viewers, but that depends on their age, level of maturity and tolerance for such material. A few instances of minor crude humor are present, as are some minor sexually related comments that will go over most kids' heads. Meanwhile, a few colorful phrases are uttered and some tense family moments are present (a human father trying to find his lost child, an animal remembering what happened to his family). Should you still be concerned about the film and its appropriateness for anyone in your home who wants to see it, we suggest that you take a closer look below. BLOOD/GORE  ·Sid steps in some animal excrement. As he tries to get it off his foot, he inadvertently causes some of it to fling onto some prehistoric rhinos. ·As Manny and Sid think the baby's diaper is full, there's some talk about poop. ·In other body-based humor, we see Sid walking along with frozen mucus hanging down from his nostrils like icicles. PROFANITY  ·None.  SEX/NUDITY  ·A comment is made about a mating dance regarding Sid, needing an extra pelt and Sid stating something about a female going "praying mantis on me." ·After Manny discovers Sid in a hot tub (of mud) trying to impress two female creatures with the baby, he says (about Sid) that when "some pretty tale walks by" he "moves like a cheetah."