IN the midst of an oppressive UK heatwave seeing a film about ice in an air-conditioned cinema sounds like a godsend. But the refrigeration quality of your chosen multiplex is about the only genuine pleasure you are going to get from this third helping of the prehistoric Ice Age saga.

Neither of the first two films were that good but they still managed take more than $1bn worldwide. They were colourful (but the animation was only average), had a message about family and friendship (but don't they all?) and the main characters were all cute critters (but with only B-list star voices).

Let's face it – Ice Age never was Shrek. Now we have everything the same as before but worse with the novelty of seeing it all in 3D which makes the film company more money but doesn't really disguise the fact that the film is, at best, mediocre.

The weak story is about a lost subterranean world where dinosaurs have survived.

Here, Sid the sloth (voiced by John Leguizamo) grabs a few eggs to start his own family but finds himself kidnapped and trapped when mum comes calling.

Sid's pals, Manny the woolly mammoth (Ray Romano) and Diego the sabre-toothed tiger (Denis Leary) now have to rescue him.

It takes a while, isn't much fun, and small children may well visit the toilet a lot.

Nigel Powlson

ICE AGE 3: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS Certificate: U

Running time: 94 mins

When: Starts today in 2D and 3D at the Odeon and Cinema De Lux in Derby; Cineworld in Burton and in 2D only at the Showcase, Derby; Galaxy Long Eaton; Cinebowl Uttoxeter.

Rating: 2/5