Nicolas Cage empathises with his character in 'The Croods' (With Image)

New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Actor Nicolas Cage says he connects with the character of Grug in the movie "The Croods", which hits screens April 19.

Change doesn't come easily in the family entertainer to father Grug, whose stubbornness is matched only by his love for his clan and by his heroic work ethic. For Grug, there are no weekends, holidays or sick days.

Cage, who has two sons Weston, 22 and Kal-El, seven, in real life, feels all parents tend to be a little over-protective about their children - and why not.

"It's impossible to be a father and avoid thinking about your child's first crush, or about keeping up with your kids' new ways of thinking," Cage, who has lent his voice to the character of Grug, said in a statement.

"We, as parents, go too far sometimes, but that's where Grug is at. He does experience a transformation, which we all must do at some point in our lives," he added.

"The Croods", a 3D animation movie, also has voiceovers by Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds.