One Savvy Mom ™ | NYC Area Mom Blog: THE CROODS Press Event - Interview With Nicolas Cage + Prize Pack Giveaway

THE CROODS Press Event - Interview With Nicolas Cage + Prize Pack Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to attend a press junket for The Croods, in Manhattan. The day included round table interviews with Nicolas Cage [the voice of Grug], Ryan Reynolds [the voice of GUY], Emma Stone [the voice of EEP] and The Croods co-writers / co-directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DiMicco.

Nicolas Cage voices Grug, in DreamWorks' new Animated film, The Croods. Grug is an overprotective [caveman] father. He teaches his family to fear everything and only finds comfort in routine and his familiar [cave] surroundings. Though a bit extreme and overly cautious, Grug has the heart of a loving father and he means well. At the end of the day, he would do anything for his family. 
In reality, Nicolas Cage is a father of two [boys],  so we were interested to see if he could relate to his character's parenting style. While he is certainly a concerned parent, he does not take it to the same extremes as his character, Grug.

"Without getting too personal, I do have those feelings at times of concern for my family and feelings of being protective. But, I like to think that I live my life in a way where I'm willing to take chances in my work and also in my life. So, in that sense, I don't relate to Grug because he's more surviving as opposed to living, whereas I do believe there's value in taking chances and exploring" said Mr. Cage.
In The Croods, Grug is fighting a seemingly uphill battle; against the ever-changing World, his combative mother in-law [voiced by Cloris Leachman] and his adventurous [somewhat rebellious] daughter, EEP.  He's trying to juggle it all, and for a guy who hates change, it's an awful lot to process!

There are definite relatable parallels to be found in The Croods. The ever-changing landscape of parenthood [prehistoric and modern day alike] can be difficult to navigate.  Nicolas Cage offered up some sage words of wisdom on parenting, that I couldn't agree with more! "I think the two most important things you can give to a child, if you want my opinion, are love and a good education. Those are the two most important things and a feeling of home and safety at home, that that's a safety zone" said Mr. Cage.

Finding common ground to connect with our children, is also incredibly important. In The Croods we see Grug attempt to mirror Guy's pioneering/innovative ways [see clip above].  He wants his family to look at him with the same respect and admiration, as they do Guy. He wants to find a common ground on which he can relate to his family [mainly his rebellious daughter Eep]. Though Grug fails in some ways, he succeeds when it's most important.
So, how does Nicolas Cage find common ground with his own children? In-part through his favorite Apps. "I like music. And I like movies, obviously. I need to keep current with what's happening now with film and also with music. I love classical music and also want to hear what's happening with the new rock music because my oldest son is immersed in that.  So, it's something I want to keep up to date on" said Mr. Cage.

Overall, Nicolas Cage was incredibly happy with his character [Grug] in this film and how the movie turned out.

"I remember, years ago, there was some discussion about doing Shrek. And I didn't want to look like that.  I didn't want to be the ogre. I didn't. Now, I maybe should have. But, I'm glad that Jeffrey [Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation] thought of me again for this and, finally, we found the right one.  It's been many years where the two of us have been trying to find the right match.And I must say I'm happy with this result. I like the quality of the humor in this film. I think it's humor that parents will be comfortable with their children copying.  It's pretty wholesome humor. And so, I like that" said Mr. Cage.

Agreed, The Croods is definitely a film that the entire family can enjoy! 

About The Croods:
THE CROODS is a 3D comedy adventure that follows the world's first modern family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always been their home is destroyed. Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods are rocked by generational clashes and seismic shifts as they discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures -- and their outlook is changed forever.

Starring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke and Cloris Leachman.
Keep up with The Croods! Visit the official website - Like The Croods on Facebook - Follow @DWAnimation on Twitter #TheCroods - Re-pin great DIY tutorials, printables & more from The Croods on Pinterest!
Ready to see The Croods? (1) One Savvy Mom reader will receive a "The Croods" Prize pack! Prizing courtesy of 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Animation.

  • Prize Pack [pictured above] Includes:
  • $25 Visa gift card for a family adventure at the movies
  • Belt plush
  • The Croods Coloring Book w/ crayons
Click HERE To Enter [Entry Ends 3/22]



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