Ice Age Collision Course

Our Risen staff often gets to screen movies and interview talent, but for the recent launch of Ice Age: Collision Course, Risen writer, Mei Ling Nazar got to learn about the science behind the movie. Upon arriving at the Discovery Cube in Orange County, the group was greeted by Ice Age’s Scrat. The group was given a behind the scenes look at the making of the film including a clip on the DVD with scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson who breaks down the science of space travel. Director Galen Chu explained to attendees about how the story artists will put all of the individual scenes together for what they call a “color script.” Different colors depict certain emotions or themes. Chu shared why they chose certain colors.

In this Ice Age movie, Scrat continues his pursuit of the elusive acorn. It catapults him into the universe, where he accidentally triggers a series of cosmic events that threaten the Ice Age world. His friends, Buck, Manny, Ellie, Sid and Diego must now work together to save everyone from a global disaster.

Working together can be difficult for any group of friends or family members. Often times, we need to humble ourselves and be willing to do an act of service we may not typically do or help someone out in need that may not be convenient. Working together also involves being patient with one another and loving people in spite of their shortcomings and differences. When adversity or conflict come our way, it is important to band together instead of having conflict amongst the group. Ice Age Collision Course can be a good platform for a family or group of friends to watch together and share how they see this theme exemplified.

 ^“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.  For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,” Romans 12:2-4

Guests were also taught by one of the story artists how to draw Scrat. Plus, a professor from UCLA shared about the geology behind the movie. Afterwards, attendees got to explore the Discovery Cube and interact with the Science of Hockey exhibit and Mission Control. Nazar and her son put on hockey gear to experience what it is like to be a goalie. Our favorite part was exploring Mission Control. It was a great way to learn more about the science behind a movie and interact with different aspects of it.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-11

Risen Reflections

1. Take an ice skating trip. Grab your family or group and go ice-skating. Gather friends, teammates, classmates, co-workers or your family and head to a local indoor or outdoor ice-skating rink. If you have a large group consider calling the rink to see if you need to make reservations. Some rinks even offer lessons during open skate time for beginners. Afterwards, grab a cup of hot chocolate or a meal together. Having fun planned activities enable a group to grow closer to one another, which as a family or small group provide a space for deeper conversations when necessary.

2. Have a snow day. There doesn’t have to be snow or ice on the ground to have a snow day. Part of the fun of a snow day is doing things you don’t normally get to do. Have everyone in the family or group suggest activities to do. It can be baking a special dessert, playing a board game, or doing a craft. Then to create the mood of a snow day, play different winter or Christmas movies. Some of our favorites include the Ice Age series, Home Alone, White Christmas, and Mighty Ducks. Wear your pajamas or a cozy sweater, turn up the fireplace and sip some hot cocoa for your snow day.

3. Do a teambuilding activity. The characters in Ice Age had to work together in order to meet their goal and overcome adversity. It might be something as simple as building a snowman together as a family or you might want to do a challenge course. Pick something that will be a challenge for everyone, but don’t pick something that everyone finds too hard and wants to quit. After the challenge, take time to encourage one another as a family and share what you learned. Did someone emerge as a leader? Did someone help someone out in a time of need? Take time to read about the body of Christ and how we all need one another in order to function. Ask the group what they think it means and what gifts they think that they have. Have the group share what talents they see in others.