"The Croods" Gets a Sequel

I think we all saw this one coming. DreamWorks' The Croods is getting a sequel. This was announced two days ago by the Hollywood Reporter, and it was also brought up during Fox's presentation at CinemaCon yesterday. During that presentation, they also showed footage from upcoming DreamWorks films such as Mr. Peabody and Sherman and How To Train Your Dragon 2.

What do we know so far? Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco, the directors of the film, will return to helm the sequel. When is it coming out? Who knows, but my money is on a March 2017 release. This was very inevitable since The Croods was something of a relief for the studio, after the disappointing performance of the very good Rise of the Guardians and the layoffs that followed. The film, to date, has grossed over $388 million at the worldwide box office and it should gross in the mid-400s by the end of its run. The Sanders-DeMicco romp really appealed to family audiences, plus there was next to no competition in its way.

As you all know, I was one of the few who didn't love The Croods. I felt it was a decent adventure comedy at best, but with uneven pacing and an inconsistent tone. That being said, who knows what the two directors will bring to the table for the sequel. Perhaps it could be better. DreamWorks has shown lately that they want to improve upon the flaws in their films with the sequels. Madagascar is at best an average film that has story problems, but the sequel corrects those problems. Madagascar 3 is even better, sticking to a tone that works perfectly and also telling a surprisingly good story. Kung Fu Panda 2 has a much better and much more dramatic storyline than its predecessor, yet it's still action-packed and loaded with fun. Shrek Forever After ditches what Shrek's two lackluster sequels went for and instead tries to tell a story, even if the story is not so good. Puss in Boots also avoids the Shrek formula and it makes for a solid fantasy adventure that can be separated from the Shrek franchise. In short, most of the recent DreamWorks sequels are good.

So a Croods sequel could be good. Maybe the crew will focus on the characters a little more and less on funny stuff. I have a feeling that this is going to be the DreamWorks equivalent of the Ice Age franchise: A very appealing prehistoric-set comedy series that'll kill at the box office each time out. Coincidentally, both are released under 20th Century Fox. Anyways, all I can say is, go for it DreamWorks!

Do you think a Croods sequel will work? Or do you think that it isn't necessary? When do you think it'll hit theaters? Sound off below!