An unnecessary sequel to the popular yet above average Madagascar, sees the films four main characters once again blown out of the water by their much more entertaining supporting players.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, continues the adventures of New York City Zoo animals Alex (Ben Stiller); Marty (Chris Rock); Gloria (Jada-Pinkett Smith); and Melman (David Schwimmer), who must again fend for themselves in the wild.
The film begins with an attempt to leave the island of Madagascar, which ends with a crash landing in the middle of Africa. The four characters then segway into their own sub plots.
In a Billy Elliot meets The Lion King crossover, Alex is reunited with his parents (a curiously dull Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd), who are distraught to find that he has not grown into a proud warrior, but an entertainer who would rather bust a move than kick butt.
On top of this, Alex’s fathers crown has been challenged by the shrewd Makunga (Alec Baldwin), who slyly arranges Alex to participate in a coming of age contest, where loss will result in banishment. Alex thinks he is entering a dance off; it is really a fist fight.
To rub salt in the wound, Alex is forced to where a large fruit hat, officially securing Alex’s mantle as –in Sacha Baron Cohen’s frisky King Julius’ words – a pansy.
Marty finds his standing as an individual compromised after he joins a herd of Zebras, who are like him in every which way. Rock provides the best line of the film, exuberantly proclaiming “It’s like Roots!” when reunited with his long lost brothers. It is a piece of humour sure to fly over the heads of little kids, but will have their parents laughing.
One thing that won’t is randy Gloria’s declaration that she likes her men “big and chunky”. A little too much information, even if she was referring to how she likes the size of her Hippo’s.
Unfortunately for nature, hypochondriac Giraffe Melman is hot to trot for Gloria. One can only imagine the Giraffe / Hippo half breeds that would manifest from that arrangement.
In a wise move, the militant Penguins-which are once again the best thing in the movie - and Cohen’s small yet larger than life King Julius, have their screen time extended. Cohen’s off the cuff humour, in particular, scores major laughs. There is nothing quite like watching a drunken Lemur singing Tina Turner’s “Private Dancer”.
The film also scores points visuals wise. It is clear that a lot of money has been thrown into Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. The animation is detailed and vibrant, especially its African setting, with its streams, trees, and vast landscapes.
It is a shame that the same amount of time and energy was not put into the script, which is just a re-hash of old ideas done better the first time.
A third Madagascar is in development. Perhaps beforehand the Penguins could throw a coup and earn their rightful place as the real stars of this floundering series. |
