What's this? A Nicolas Cage movie that's actually good? DreamWorks Animation introduces The Croods, an entertaining adventure-comedy about a family of cavemen trying to survive a massive earthquake.

The Croods is a beautifully animated tale that taps into the imagination in all the right ways: weird animals, man-eating plants, strange environments. Oh, and cavemen. Kids love cavemen. Simply put, the movie is just a fun adventure that operates at a fast pace. Whether the characters are escaping from dinosaurs or volcanoes, there is always something to hold your attention.

The movie only pauses to force a message down your throat about how change is good. The theme is fine and ultimately harmless, but occasionally eye-rolling as well. Combined with a typical cast of characters - the rebellious daughter longing for a more interesting life, a conservative but loving father, an idiot brother and a charming and mysterious love interest - The Croods is more generic than the filmmakers would like to admit, though animated films aren't exactly known for defying formula.

Good but not great, The Croods is a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy. It won't go down in the annals of history as one of the more innovative animated films, but there is no denying its entertainment factor.

Review by Erik Samdahl.