Is it possible to actually enjoy a third installment of a film series? Even if one wasn’t a real “hardcore” fan of the first two?
In the case of “Madagascar3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” I guess the answer is yes!
I REALLY enjoyed this ride of a movie.
I could dissect the film and say it is a stretched out version of the previous two Madagascar editions, but I won’t. This third chapter is just a real good time at the movies.
In “Madagascar 3” we find Alex the Lion (voiced by Ben Stiller) still stuck in Africa dreaming of finding a way back home to New York City’s famed zoo. Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) all return for this installment.
The penguins are back as well and this time they have decided to set up shop in the casinos of Monte Carlo. The “stranded” crew decide if they are to make it back to Manhattan, they will need the penguins help. How do they decide to meet up with the penguins in Monte Carlo? They swim all the way from Africa to Europe. Why not just swim all the way back to New York, you ask? Well, the simple answer is- there wouldn’t be a movie.
The swim to Europe actually makes up some of the funnier scenes of the movie. Wait until you see the snorkeling gear.
Once in Europe, the story then involves a traveling group of circus animals that have seen better days. With the help of these new friends, our “heroes” then attempt the journey home. It’s not so easy, though, as a crazed French policewoman (Frances McDormand) gets in the way as she attempts to throw our furry friends in animal “jail.”
“Madagascar 3” moves fast. REAL fast. The usual bright colors return in this installment and the laughs are plenty along the journey.
If you are already in need of a “babysitter” for the kids just out of school, this is a good way to spend 93 minutes.
Dave Morales is a member of the Houston Film Critics’ Society
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