The Croods 3 (2025) – Detailed Review
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Overview

The Croods 3 (2025) is the latest chapter in the Croods franchise, following the success of The Croods (2013) and The Croods: A New Age (2020). Directed by Joel Crawford (who also directed the second film), this third installment promises to continue the family-friendly prehistoric adventures of the Crood family, led by the ever-enthusiastic father Grug Crood (voiced by Nicolas Cage) and his resilient wife Ugga Crood (voiced by Catherine Keener).

The first two films introduced audiences to the Croods, a family of cavemen struggling to survive in a dangerous, rapidly changing world. The sequel, A New Age, expanded the family dynamic, adding new characters like the Bettermans, a more evolved and technologically advanced family, which caused some hilariously awkward tension between the two clans. Now, The Croods 3 will focus on further expanding the world of the Croods, exploring deeper themes of family, adaptation, and self-discovery.

The film is set to bring back the lovable prehistoric family and will introduce new characters and challenges as the Croods embark on their biggest journey yet. The Croods 3 will likely continue the blend of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and action-packed adventures that defined the previous films, while expanding the scope of their world and pushing the Croods to adapt in ways they’ve never had to before.

Plot Summary

In The Croods 3, the Crood family has started to settle into a more stable life after their initial journeys. They’ve found a new home, a place where they can finally feel secure from the dangers of the prehistoric world. However, peace doesn’t last long in the Croods’ world, and a new adventure quickly beckons.

The film opens with the family encountering a new, mysterious part of their world: a lush, hidden paradise island. The island is filled with strange creatures and bizarre new plants, unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. While it initially seems like the perfect place to settle down, the island hides dark secrets that soon threaten their safety and harmony.

The family is soon confronted by a mᴀssive, prehistoric storm that strikes the island, leaving them stranded and separated from one another. Each family member must embark on a personal journey of self-discovery in order to reunite, using their unique skills and personal growth from past adventures. At the center of the plot is Grug Crood, who will have to face his greatest fear: letting go of the need to control everything and learning to trust his family to make their own decisions.

Meanwhile, Eep Crood (voiced by Emma Stone) is struggling with her desire for independence and is torn between staying close to her family or exploring the island’s hidden secrets on her own. Thunk Crood (voiced by Clark Duke) is eager to prove his worth, while Gran Crood (voiced by Cloris Leachman) offers her own brand of wisdom and humor as the oldest member of the family.

The central conflict revolves around a powerful, mysterious force on the island that seeks to control the island’s resources—perhaps a more evolved prehistoric species, or a powerful natural phenomenon that threatens to change everything the Croods know about survival.

The film will feature comedic moments as the Croods learn to navigate the island, face threats from strange creatures, and deal with the dynamics between the family members. It will also explore the themes of adaptation and change, showing how the Croods are learning to evolve in a world that is constantly shifting. Ultimately, the family must come together to face the unknown and prove that no matter how much they change, they will always be a family.

Characters and Performances

Grug Crood (Nicolas Cage) – Grug continues to be the overprotective and somewhat stubborn father, struggling to balance his desire to shield his family from danger with the growing realization that he can’t control everything. Cage’s performance as Grug will continue to be filled with his unique blend of intensity and vulnerability, bringing both humor and emotional depth to the role.
Ugga Crood (Catherine Keener) – Ugga remains the steady and nurturing mother who often serves as the emotional anchor for the family. Keener’s portrayal will continue to bring warmth and strength to Ugga as she supports Grug while also encouraging her children to embrace their growth and independence.
Eep Crood (Emma Stone) – Eep has grown into a more independent young woman, and her journey in The Croods 3 will revolve around finding her own idenтιтy while balancing the desires of her adventurous spirit with the love for her family. Emma Stone’s voice performance will continue to shine as Eep navigates her internal conflict and grows emotionally throughout the film.
Thunk Crood (Clark Duke) – Thunk is the well-meaning, slightly dim-witted but lovable son who often brings comic relief to the family’s dynamic. In the third film, Thunk’s journey will involve proving his worth and trying to be seen as more than just the comic foil of the family. Expect plenty of slapstick humor and charming moments from his character.
Gran Crood (Cloris Leachman) – Gran remains a hilarious and witty character, providing sage advice and a sense of humor in the midst of the chaos. Her comic timing will continue to be a highlight of the movie, offering a mix of wisdom and irreverence.
New Characters (TBD) – As the family explores the hidden island, they will likely encounter new prehistoric creatures, both friend and foe. New human characters may also be introduced, including potential rivals or allies who challenge the Croods in different ways.

Themes and Direction

The themes of family and adaptation will continue to be central to The Croods 3. The film will explore how the Croods evolve and grow together as a family in response to external challenges, but also internally as each member faces their own personal growth. The conflict between holding onto the past and embracing the future will be explored as Grug faces his own fears and learns to trust his family more.

The theme of independence vs. togetherness will be explored, especially with characters like Eep, who desires more freedom, and Grug, who struggles to let go of his overprotective tendencies. This conflict will highlight the tension between wanting to control one’s destiny and learning to work as a unit.

The Croods 3 will also emphasize the beauty of discovery and exploration, as the family ventures into the unknown parts of the world, finding new creatures, dangers, and wonders. The film will continue the series’ focus on humor, with plenty of physical comedy, visual gags, and heartwarming moments.

Visuals and Animation

The animation in The Croods 3 is expected to be just as vibrant and imaginative as the previous films. The prehistoric world, once again, serves as a rich canvas for visually stunning landscapes and fantastical creatures. The lush island setting will offer a new environment full of colorful flora, dangerous fauna, and dynamic weather patterns.

The animation will continue to feature dynamic, action-packed sequences, with the Croods facing new challenges that push their physical and emotional limits. Expect thrilling chases, comical mishaps, and awe-inspiring moments as the family journeys through the unknown.

Music and Soundtrack

The musical score will likely remain upbeat and whimsical, reflecting the film’s adventurous tone. Composer Alan Silvestri, who worked on the first two films, could return to provide a rousing, fun soundtrack that complements the action and emotional beats. Expect energetic themes for the action scenes and more tender, emotional melodies for the quieter, family-centric moments.

Conclusion

The Croods 3 (2025) promises to be another exciting and heartwarming addition to the series. With its lovable characters, humorous antics, and themes of family, growth, and exploration, the film will continue the Croods’ journey into new and unexpected territories. Whether they’re facing a new prehistoric paradise, discovering the value of change, or coming together in times of crisis, The Croods 3 will offer plenty of laughs, action, and heart for both kids and adults alike.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.

Overview

Plot Summary

Characters and Performances

Themes and Direction

Visuals and Animation

Music and Soundtrack

Conclusion

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

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