Review: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

[Homer Yen]

"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