Ice Age: Continental Drift is a 2012 animated film directed by Carlos Saldanha and is the fourth installment in the Ice Age franchise. The film continues the adventures of Manny the woolly mammoth, Sid the sloth, Diego the saber-toothed tiger, and their friends as they face new challenges following a continental breakup.
The story begins with Manny (voiced by Ray Romano) and Ellie (voiced by Queen Latifah) living happily with their teenage daughter Peaches. While Ellie supports Peaches' desire for independence, Manny's overprotectiveness creates tension between them. This family dynamic is further complicated when Sid (voiced by John Leguizamo) discovers that his family has returned only to drop off his elderly Granny (voiced by Wanda Sykes) before abandoning them both.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Scrat, the acorn-obsessed squirrel, accidentally triggers a continental cataclysm while trying to bury his acorn. This event separates Manny, Sid, Diego, and Granny from Ellie and Peaches, who remain on land. As they drift away on floating ice chunks, they encounter various sea creatures and eventually get captured by a group of pirates led by Captain Gutt, a Gigantopithecus.
As the pirates attempt to recruit Manny and his friends into their crew, they refuse and are threatened with execution. This leads to a daring escape that results in the destruction of Gutt's ship. Along the way, Shira (voiced by Jennifer Lopez), Gutt's first mate, is rescued by Manny's group after being abandoned by her crew.
The herd washes ashore on Switchback Cove and learns that Gutt has enslaved a group of hyraxes to build a new ship. Manny devises a plan to free the hyraxes and steal Gutt's ship to return home. Meanwhile, Diego struggles with his feelings for Shira, who ultimately decides to help Manny's group escape rather than remain with the pirates.
The climax of the film features intense action as Manny confronts Gutt in a battle for survival. Ultimately, Gutt is defeated when he is eaten by a sea siren, allowing Manny and his friends to reunite with Ellie and Peaches.
Ice Age: Continental Drift received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its humor and animation quality. The film grossed over $877 million worldwide, making it a commercial success and continuing the legacy of the Ice Age franchise while exploring themes of family dynamics, friendship, and adventure.