It's all about nostalgia

Rating: 7/10 (8 June 2005)

I went into this film not having seen any of the trailers, only the newspaper ads. I wouldn't have gone into it at all if my longtime movie companion, an adult who seemingly *never* misses any animated children's film, hadn't spent the last two weeks (before 7 June) begging to go see it. Strike one; it has Ben Stiller and Chris Rock in it - celebrity/talent ratio is high. Strike two: the only seats left for the rest of the day (from 2 PM onwards) were in the very front row. Strike three (bearing in mind #2): I had a migraine. In short, I was prepared to spend the next month mercilessly extracting numerous apologies from my companion.
Attitude adjustment began with the theme from 'Born Free' playing past the credits. OK, I thought, this isn't going to be a particularly original film, but let's see how many references the film makes and whether or not any of them actually work.
Then we get introduced to the four 'lead' characters. I'll say this to the others who are (deservedly) panning the leads and praising the bit players: THESE 'LEADS' WERE *MEANT* TO BE UPSTAGED. It is simply inconceivable to me that these were the best/most appropriate actors to voice the characters. Opinions I previously had, mildly favouring Ms Pinkett-Smith and reconfirming my loathing of Mr Stiller, did not improve. I cautiously began to consider not running from the theatre when the name 'Chris Rock' flashes on screen again. David Schwimmer has been added to my list of "when I want to see something more New York Orthodox than a New York Orthodox" list. I expect to volunteer to see something of that variety perhaps half as regularly as I win six consecutive California Lotteries.
Nostalgia, my title says. Yep, that's what this film is. Nostalgia for all the movies, comedy routines, and other cultural flotsam that were the origin of nearly every frame of this movie. It was fun to watch at times - not for its own sake, generally, but rather because it brought back memories of the original source of whatever bit is being expropriated at any given time. I know I didn't get all the references; for example, many reviewers cite American Beauty, which I have not yet seen. However, even when I didn't understand the reference, it was almost always clear that SOMETHING was being referenced.
But then, what were the leads there for if not to be upstaged? I personally found King Julian XIII the Lemur (Sacha Baron Cohen/Ali G) to be frightfully overdone rather than over-the-top, he was *necessary*. Cedric the Entertainer as Maurice, the King's batsman/guardian from himself/primary contact with the 'real' world, was spot on - he'd seen it all before, what he hadn't seen, he could figure out, and what he couldn't figure out was a Red Flag that he communicated immediately, succinctly, and hilariously. The Lemurs in general hit the "Awwwww....soooo *C*u*t*e" button a little too hard - but you had hopes when their first contact with the "New York Giants" (who haven't even been in the Big Apple since the '57 season - talk about nostalgia!).
And, of course, let us not forget the penguins. Kowalski will be instantly familiar to veterans of any number of World War II military-adventure films. Tom McGrath as the Skipper has seen a few dozen too many reruns of The Great Escape (IMDB title tt0057115), and he's no Steve McQueen. But he's not supposed to be; he and his 'men' are here as yet another confirmation of the movie's true maim message: be careful what you wish for, because if you get it, it might well get you.
Would I see it again? Certainly not in the theatre, even on the half-price matinée. I know that there will shortly be a VCD or DVD copy kicking around the house; I'll be expected to watch it once or twice, and may even pop it in the drive myself if I'm feeling particularly bored and want to drive the other housemate (who doubtless would find my remarks here far too mild) completely up the wall.
Hey, that's not a bad idea. Up to 7 stars from the original 5, on its strength as a weapon of mass distraction.