So much potential lost

Rating: 5/10 (17 January 2006)

The premise for this movie is outstanding. From watching the previews and reading the plot, I thought this was going to be another Shrek of the animation world. Sadly enough, my expectations were shot down pretty quickly. Though the voice acting in Madagascar are well-done, the story never takes off. If they are thinking big name voices are enough to carry an animated film, they are sadly mistaken. Not only did the animation seem low-end, but the only funny moments in it children won't even understand (unless you've let your 6 year old child watch American Beauty). The whole focus of the story with Alex realizing his true instincts as a lion is to prey on his friends is totally underminded for other not-so-interesting aspects of the story. The abrupt and hole leaving ending was anything but satisfying. It was like instead of trying to make a good film, the actors were trying to see who could make their voices better than the other. What a letdown man, I can't believe I spent 4 bucks to rent this off pay-per-view. The only reason this movie gets the score it does is because of 3 things: The good voice-overs, the criminal penguins, and the poor helpless little animal that is constantly frightened (that thing was adorable, and didn't get enough play). 5/10