Ice Age: Collision Course

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Scrat chases his acorn in space, establishing the comedic tone. The herd lives peacefully in their valley - Manny is overprotective of Peaches, who wants independence as a young adult mammoth.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when A meteor shower begins - caused by Scrat accidentally launching asteroids toward Earth. The sky lights up with danger, disrupting the peaceful valley and threatening all life on the planet.. At 9% through the film, this Disruption arrives earlier than typical, accelerating the narrative momentum. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.

The First Threshold at 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 19% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to The herd decides to follow Buck on the journey to Geotopia to save the world. Manny chooses to go, though this means bringing Peaches and Julian into danger rather than keeping them safely behind., moving from reaction to action.

At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 41% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat They reach Geotopia, a hidden utopia where crystals keep everyone young and happy. They find Shangri Llama and the solution to their problem. False victory - it seems they've found salvation and the stakes appear to raise as they have the means to save Earth., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 72 minutes (60% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Manny's controlling behavior drives Peaches away. She tells him she's leaving with Julian and doesn't need him anymore. The relationship "dies" - Manny loses his daughter emotionally just as the asteroid threat reaches its peak. His worst fear is realized., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 78 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 65% of the runtime. Manny realizes he must let go and trust Peaches to live her own life. He accepts Julian and apologizes. This emotional breakthrough combines with Buck's plan - Manny gains the wisdom from the Mirror World (acceptance) to face the finale., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.