More ice-capades from Sid and Co

Since the first film launched back in 2002, the Ice Age franchise has delighted children (and often their parents) across the globe, for its great mix of humour, visual brilliance and family themes.

At the end of the last film, our trusty trio of Manny, Diego and Sid were settled with families and looking forward to a more quiet life.

But that’s all about to change.

The film begins in familiar style, with Scrat the sabre-toothed squirrel in his usual pursuit of his hallowed acorn.

Scrat’s blind pursuit of his beloved nut not only kicks off the action in this giddy fourth instalment but comes to a hilarious, genius head.

In an effort to bury one of the giant nuts, Scrat causes the ice to crack and split.

A chain reaction leads Manny (voice of Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) to become separated from the rest of their families and the rest of the the herd and cast adrift on an iceberg.

Manny’s wife Ellie (Queen Latifah) and teenage daughter Peaches are left behind and in grave danger. It’s up to Manny, Diego and Sid to find a way back and rescue the herd.

With a flagrant regard for historical accuracy, the characters embark on an adventure across the seas.

But when they encounter an iceberg ship full of feral pirates led by a power-mad Captain Gutt (Peter Dinklage) - a ruthless gigantopithecus who is determined Manny and friends will not return to shore - that’s easier said than done.

By jumping on the popular pirate genre bandwagon, Ice Age 4 is able to introduce a whole new shipload of entertaining characters, including a delightfully dimwitted seal called Flynn (Nick Frost) and Shira (Jennifer Lopez), a smilodon tiger.

Staying true to Ice Age form, this movie tells a simple, fun, colourful and funny tale of Manny and his friends. Once again, it pushes home the importance of family, friendship and being true to yourself - a message that will be of benefit to any child, or adult.

Of course, it’s non-stop shenanigans, with loads of gags and perhaps the Ice Age franchise’s most visually stunning adventure yet.

And Scrat’s show-stopper finale - where he discovers the mother load of acorns - puts it over the top, and is worth the price of the admission alone.