Yes, I thought of the Simpsons, too, it's not a new idea from the scratch but a variant of a classic idea and I like what they did with it. The animation was extremely realistic, one of the best of the series on this aspect, just look at the apes in the end; and aesthetically I loved the future city's design like the black pyramids and then the blue light. I liked the perspective that it would start again at the end meaning that all existence is in a cycle.
37 Reviews
Great episode with some sloppy writing
nlszmn17 March 2019
Disappointed
ParsaHimself12 June 2019
Okay short, awesome CG
starving_college_student31 March 2019
Ice Age is a story you've seen before (Twilight Zone, Simpsons) and doesn't do anything different from those stories either. The comedy too is simply mild at best. Luckily the CG is very cool. Seeing things evolve at such a speed is pretty amazing. Fun to watch, but nothing overly memorable.
Cube Roots
southdavid18 April 2019
I've decided to review each of the short films that make up this series individually.
Wow! Look at the rendering on .... No, wait... those are real actors. Glad to see from the reviews that I'm not the only one reminded of the Treehouse of Horror episode. Here a young couple played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace discover a tiny civilisation in the freezer section of their new Fridge. Over the course of a few hours, the civilisation evolves from medieval equivalency, right through to a futuristic cityscape.
This is another one that's fine, but doesn't perhaps live up to the potential that it might have had, had the story gone a different way. Winstead and Grace are a likable enough couple but perhaps the best thing about this particular episode is that it doesn't outstay its welcome.
Wow! Look at the rendering on .... No, wait... those are real actors. Glad to see from the reviews that I'm not the only one reminded of the Treehouse of Horror episode. Here a young couple played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace discover a tiny civilisation in the freezer section of their new Fridge. Over the course of a few hours, the civilisation evolves from medieval equivalency, right through to a futuristic cityscape.
This is another one that's fine, but doesn't perhaps live up to the potential that it might have had, had the story gone a different way. Winstead and Grace are a likable enough couple but perhaps the best thing about this particular episode is that it doesn't outstay its welcome.
Be a God and Enjoy a Pizza
OnjiMooteDaMarle16 May 2019
Basically 'Horton Hears a Who' with vision or a TV that is a Refrigerator. But it is still interesting. This episode stands out when it comes to animation as we have real living actors here. Apart from that still going strong.
8.7/10
guilhermelopes-8691621 March 2019
It's not a Simpsons Rip Off
DJANGO6818 June 2019
I wish people weren't so fooled by their ego to point the finger with obvious fallacies in their Logic. If you are going to review episodes of this series than at least understand that 90% of the stories are based on stories from SF Writers(To me the best thing about the series) and this story is no different and understanding this means understanding that they did copy a story alright, but it was from the writer who they paid to turn their story into a visual representation, and guess what, That story was written before the Simpsons did it(so ipso facto, It's the Simpsons who would have been doing the Ripping Off and not vice versa)
Anyway it's a OK episode, nothing great, but entertaining enough to keep you watching until the end(only ten minutes) oh when I say till the end, obviously you guys watch it on netflix and most people will click or just wait the few seconds where it just auto skips the end credits, Well Obviously those are needed in this scenario, in fact I think it's a shame they didn't notate the original source in the beginning of each episodes especially knowing how most Netflickers skip them automatically.
Anyway it's a OK episode, nothing great, but entertaining enough to keep you watching until the end(only ten minutes) oh when I say till the end, obviously you guys watch it on netflix and most people will click or just wait the few seconds where it just auto skips the end credits, Well Obviously those are needed in this scenario, in fact I think it's a shame they didn't notate the original source in the beginning of each episodes especially knowing how most Netflickers skip them automatically.
Hello Mammoth!
serrakiper26 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It was funny episode. It is really like to see what happened to humanity or how they achieve to survive again and again. Couple do not shocked what they see:) Also refrigerator is a bit interesting choice for the magical item. I like the space age more than the others.
in the fridge
paultapner12 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Another quite short one of these, around the ten minute mark. It adapts a short story by writer Michael Swanwick.
You do get a shock at the quality of the cg animation from the first shot. But then you realise that's because it's live action.
Two people, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace, have just moved into an apartment. There's an old fridge there. And there's a civilisation in the ice compartment. Time there runs differently to here, so they watch the civilisation develop at quite a speed.
That's about it.
There is a point to this one, which every other reviewer seems to have missed. It's all about the transient nature of civilisation. Especially on a cosmic scale. But the two actors get the tone just right, as their characters watch it all unfold. Be like Mary Elizabeth Winstead's character when watching this. Just smile and go with it. And you'll have a fun ten mins.
You do get a shock at the quality of the cg animation from the first shot. But then you realise that's because it's live action.
Two people, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace, have just moved into an apartment. There's an old fridge there. And there's a civilisation in the ice compartment. Time there runs differently to here, so they watch the civilisation develop at quite a speed.
That's about it.
There is a point to this one, which every other reviewer seems to have missed. It's all about the transient nature of civilisation. Especially on a cosmic scale. But the two actors get the tone just right, as their characters watch it all unfold. Be like Mary Elizabeth Winstead's character when watching this. Just smile and go with it. And you'll have a fun ten mins.
1x16
formotog13 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was okay. The two leads were kinda annoying and didn't exactly react how you'd expect someone who's found a rapidly evolving micro-society in their freezer to react. The music was also really nothing special. That being said, it was a cool concept and the animation was once again amazing. I really liked the designs for the modern and futuristic cities, it's a shame we didn't really get that much of a proper look at them. I feel like this episode could've played around with the gods idea a bit more. The ending was intriguing though, I wonder what the light show at the end of the futuristic society was all about. All in all it was alright but they probably could've done a lot better
Low 7
Low 7
Forgettable.
cruise018 July 2019
Love, Death, and Robots
Ice Age (2 out of 5 stars).
The first episode to be live action with Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace. But it is kind of disappointing. The story is about a couple moving into an apartment with a freeze already in placed. They open it to discover a evolving civilization in there from the prehistoric times to the futuristic era. As time moves fast for them.
The episode is kind of boring. Left you feeling absolutely nothing in the end. The theme was lost. The episode was kind of lost on what it was trying to be.
Ice Age (2 out of 5 stars).
The first episode to be live action with Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace. But it is kind of disappointing. The story is about a couple moving into an apartment with a freeze already in placed. They open it to discover a evolving civilization in there from the prehistoric times to the futuristic era. As time moves fast for them.
The episode is kind of boring. Left you feeling absolutely nothing in the end. The theme was lost. The episode was kind of lost on what it was trying to be.
not a bad attempt
ganymedes198528 June 2019
Reality is just God's freezer
noxaman10 March 2022
There wasn't really a deeper message here, but the CGI was done well, and it was good for a few laughs. I can absolutely imagine this short being inspired by someone saying "dude, there's life evolving in the back of your fridge." Lord knows I heard that a few times during my college years.
Simpsons IRL
chenlingzhang1 April 2019
Thanks Ice Age
markox8220 March 2019
Good, I guess
AleksandrBelenko13 October 2019
Let me say, The Simpsons managed same idea better. I am not saying that same ideas cannot be reused, just this episode had no logic.
Ok, this couple find a civilization in an Ice Age. It is explanatory as it is situated in a freezer. But were does soil and trees everything else comes from if there is just ice. Well ok. I suppose I have to just take it as it is.
Then the end ruins everything. If Freezer evolution is similar to Earth evolution then the finale does not make sence.
Simpsons Did It Simpsons Did It
than21720 March 2019
So my joke is a play on the South Park line "Simpsons Did It!!" but in reality Simpsons and South Park both already did it. It's not a bad remake of those two per se. I wish it were done in animation like the other episodes of the show. The worst part is the ending I thought but it's watchable.
Compared to the other episodes it's very unoriginal and been done many times before. But still watchable.
Compared to the other episodes it's very unoriginal and been done many times before. But still watchable.
Not the Simpsons
CaptainViggo12 May 2021
So many of the reviews here saying that this episode is ripping off The Simpsons, and another one that says that the short story that inspired this short film was written before the Simpsons... Just know your facts.
The Simpsons halloween episodes have had many stories that are parodies of old Twilight Zone episodes.
And yes, the Simpsons episode with a tiny civilisation ("The Genesis Tub", Treehouse of Horror VII, 1996) is actually a parody of the 1962 episode of The Twilight Zone called "The Little People".
As for "Ice Age", well it is really difficult to appreciate it on its own when you have already seen the Twilight Zone episode and its Simpsons parody already. This story has the same base elements but do not offer anything more. I don't know if the short story it is based on has more to say, but as for the short film, for me it is a 6/10 for lack of originality in its core story element.
The Simpsons halloween episodes have had many stories that are parodies of old Twilight Zone episodes.
And yes, the Simpsons episode with a tiny civilisation ("The Genesis Tub", Treehouse of Horror VII, 1996) is actually a parody of the 1962 episode of The Twilight Zone called "The Little People".
As for "Ice Age", well it is really difficult to appreciate it on its own when you have already seen the Twilight Zone episode and its Simpsons parody already. This story has the same base elements but do not offer anything more. I don't know if the short story it is based on has more to say, but as for the short film, for me it is a 6/10 for lack of originality in its core story element.
My favourite of the series
exuberantloquacity8 October 2019
Two actors I've loved from previous shows and movies. As someone else has said, The Simpsons did a take on this. However, this one is quite different. Even the cat with the galaxy around its next. The idea of micro and macro cosmos is fun to play with. Both actors did a great job. The story that takes place inside the freezer is done really well. Definitely worth watching.
Don't Over Think It!
kkmgirl-448-11198821 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This wasn't my favorite by far, but I really really enjoyed the animation. I think the actors did a serviceable job, although I think the dialogue could have been tightened up a bit. As seasoned actors, they could have pulled off punchier lines, but I didn't mind their nonchalance... in such a short episode, you don't have time to wrestle with gasping "why" and "how" questions. The star of the show was the little frigid civilization and adorable wooly mammoth popsicle, which I would have loved exploring more. The ending was ok... the transcendent ball of light was pretty but underwhelming, however I don't have a better idea so I can't criticize too much. So while the storyline took a distant second place, the incredible animation more than made up for it.
Meh
MoistMovies18 March 2019
In comparison to the best of this series. It was kinda 'Meh'
The actors writing was bad... like really bad.
The non interaction with the civilization left a lot to be explored.
It was super corny and didnt explore any themes, except evolution... whoop de doo..
I guess from the writers stand point our ancestors in the distant future will become energy? And then it all starts again. Thats about what i gathered from his ideas...
'Meh'
It was super corny and didnt explore any themes, except evolution... whoop de doo..
I guess from the writers stand point our ancestors in the distant future will become energy? And then it all starts again. Thats about what i gathered from his ideas...
'Meh'
An Awkward Retread of a Fun Concept
holy_big_sandwich21 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Whenever I'm reminded of the "tiny civilization" sci-fi parable, it isn't the Twilight Zone quasi-original, the Simpsons tooth people, or even South Park's seamonkeys. Its Futurama's metal lord that I feel perfected this concept. Not only is it hilarious but it doesn't steep itself in the terrifying implications of being able to wipe out an entire world with a sneeze. Instead it asks questions: Are humans (drunk robots) capable of godhood? Would our gods be as fallible as we are? God or no god, are we mortals always the doomed species? Is not doing anything exactly what a god is? Because when you've done your job, people won't even know you've done anything at all.
Well "Ice Age", the 11 minute short casts Topher Grace and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the benign observes of a tiny civilization rapidly growing in an old fashioned ice box. And... that's about it.
The two are less wannabe gods and more millennial mumblers, who have to make sense of this sci-fi trope staged inside their new apartment. They are two cardboard white people who stare slackjawed at the marvels of an ever changing mini humanity, as it progresses from cavemen to construction men and finally, to the singularity. All with about the same long lasting impact of going to the zoo.
What the team behind this short have done effect wise, hits the mark. Almost like booting up a game of civilization and hitting fast forward until the modern age. The timelapse is pretty and the scale is beautifully well done. But that's it. Our two observers offer no drama or even humanity. There are no questions to pose, no themes to dwell on. Just a low calorie snack with the last bite being John DiMaggio telling you to buzz-off.
Well "Ice Age", the 11 minute short casts Topher Grace and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the benign observes of a tiny civilization rapidly growing in an old fashioned ice box. And... that's about it.
The two are less wannabe gods and more millennial mumblers, who have to make sense of this sci-fi trope staged inside their new apartment. They are two cardboard white people who stare slackjawed at the marvels of an ever changing mini humanity, as it progresses from cavemen to construction men and finally, to the singularity. All with about the same long lasting impact of going to the zoo.
What the team behind this short have done effect wise, hits the mark. Almost like booting up a game of civilization and hitting fast forward until the modern age. The timelapse is pretty and the scale is beautifully well done. But that's it. Our two observers offer no drama or even humanity. There are no questions to pose, no themes to dwell on. Just a low calorie snack with the last bite being John DiMaggio telling you to buzz-off.
Just okay
Hillius29 March 2019
A couple moves into an apartment with an antique ice box that's got a civilization in it. The caveat of course is that time moves much faster for the tiny civilization than it does for the two people viewing. It is interesting to see a new take on an old idea. Other reviewers have mentioned cartoon shows & for me it is very reminiscent of The Time Machine (1960) & Star Trek Voyager's "In a Blink of an Eye" (19Jan2000) This episode felt like more consideration could've been given to the conclusion, but otherwise not a bad waste of a few minutes of time.
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