It's wild!

Rating: 9/10 (28 September 2009)

Some readers probably (and understandably) grow tired of the Pixar/Dreamworks comparisons that surface alongside a new release from either studio or in a review of one of their films, but I'm sorry to say that I just can't help mentioning it; because to me, Madagascar illustrates perfectly how Dreamworks films can be thoroughly entertaining despite the lack of artistic quality that Pixar gain critical recognition for.
Madagascar is far from being a cinematic masterpiece and it could be argued that the film is nothing short of an exercise in unrealistic, over-the-top slapstick humour; however, in my opinion it's darn funny. The comedy stems from the characters themselves AND the situations they find themselves in, with the result being a feature that rarely takes a break from quick-fire gags throughout its running time. That said, the jokes won't be right up everyone's alley but if you're a fan of pop culture references, sexual innuendo and toilet humour, you'll throughly enjoy it (or the kids will). The voice cast is fantastic, accentuating the laughs and often providing them when their characters simply open their mouths (see Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Julien', who very nearly steals the show as the fun-loving leader of a pack of lemurs). Dreamworks have conceived some fantastic characters here, most notably the penguins who could definitely carry a spin-off. While I am certainly no qualified animation critic, Madagascar is also definitely a feast for the eyes.
Critics of Dreamworks may not find anything that will force them to ease off, but those looking for a simple-minded giggle will love it.
9/10