Wonderfully Surprising

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2006)

This is the highest rating I have ever given a movie. Madagascar appeared at first to be a typical kids show in the style of Ice Age and The Incredibles. Surprisingly though, it was absolutely hilarious! The discerning adult will have fun just trying to pick out how many different movies are parodied in this film (Planet of the Apes and Castaway were the most obvious . . . see if you can find what looks like a reference to The Ring).
In addition, the jokes were fresh and fun. Unlike The Cat in the Hat, the jokes that had adult references were very well hidden (not just a dirty joke with clean words). The penguins' reaction to finally reaching Antarctica was snot-slingingly funny and Alex the Lion's experiences with the tranquilizer darts are still good for a laugh.
A must see for anyone with or without the kids.