Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Review
by Homer Yen (homeryen88 AT gmail DOT com)November 9th, 2008
"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" - They Still Like to Move It Move It by Homer Yen
(c) 2008
Let me make a few observations. The last film that I actually had time to see and then subsequently review was "Tropic Thunder" back in August. My general willingness to see a movie has diminished these last few months due to a busy work schedule (remember, I commit to quality reviews but am not a quota-driven, paid reviewer) and a sour mood brought on by the struggling economy. But I can always rely on the goofiness of Ben Stiller (who stars in that summer film as well as this one) to bring about a smile. So, if there was a time to emerge from movie hibernation, this is the film with which to do it.
Animated films continue to raise the bar in terms of the technology and the final look. And, this one not only looks better and brighter than the original, it feels better too. Yes, there are the undercurrents of strained friendships and personal problems that develop but eventually work themselves out. But surprisingly touching was the brief romantic sub-plot with Melman the Giraffe who suffers from hypochondria and Gloria the Hippo who is looking for a mate. Assuming that their romance continues, in Madagascar 3, we would probably be introduced to a Giraffapotamus.
"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" is cheerier and more high-energy than the original. You can't help but admire the Penguin foursome whom attacks big tasks with militaristic determination and efficiency. In fact, the best scenes of the film include them, whether they're trying to avoid a crash landing or are executing a plan to start a salvage mission. These guys are like the truffled mashed potatoes that go along side a prime rib dish. Even if the prime rib isn't that good, thank goodness for those truffled mashed potatoes! And speaking of high-energy, of note is Julien the Lemur King (voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen), who is a package of self-delusional absurdity. And, he has the best line that pretty much sums up the off-the-wall viewing experience: "Now hurry before the people come to their senses!"
To that last point, however, high-energy doesn't necessarily make it better because while there is a lot of vigor to the performances, there seems to be a lot of places where the dots don't connect. Without pointing to any specific scenes (because this sense is pervasive throughout the film), I'm sure that the writers knew that this film could at some point begin to unravel. Sharks and a volcano? Penguins in Africa? Lions and Granny squaring off in a pugilistic showdown? So, they included a wink-and-a-nod scene with a shark. I refer you to Wikipedia.com where you can search the phrase "jumping the shark". True, this animated feature barely holds itself together. Yet, whether you enjoyed the first "Madagascar" or are just yearning to find something out there to put a little humor in your day, this will put a smile on your face.
Grade: B-
S: 1 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
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