Jo Reviews

The New York Zoo animals are back, returning to their roots in the sequel entitled “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”. Opening scenes are a flashback to Alex the lion’s life in the open desert in Africa. After a tragic turn of events we learn how Alex became the big city show cat. Then we fast forward to the animals stranded in Madagascar, only to take flight and crash in Africa. Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo along with Alex are excited when they crash to find the breathtaking animal haven known as Africa. Alex is reunited with his father in Africa, who assumed Alex was a victim to hunters many years ago. The reunion is not all it expected to be as Alex does not have the same fighting skills as his father and finds himself banished from the lion pack.

Marty finds himself multiplied by the hundreds and enjoys the running and tricks he shares with his fellow zebras. Melman becomes the witch doctor and begins to care for others, putting his own health worries to rest for the time being, as Gloria begins to search for a fellow hippo to become her mate. The group of zoo animals find themselves loving Africa, but each in their own way. They do find their friendships tested as time goes on. Will they love Africa more than the Central Park Zoo, or will the desire to return to the Big Apple create a new mission?

Madagascar has great animation, but was lacking in other areas. The dialogue I found a little too advanced for the younger audience, noting many children under five became distracted and lost interest half way through the film. The “Move – It” song offered another upbeat tune, but aside from that musical tune no other musical hits were offered. Madagascar has something to offer for the whole family and can be enjoyed, but keep in mind your children need to have a good attention span to truly enjoy this flick. Definitely a step down from the first one, but you should not let that stop you from seeing a film with great humor and animation.