Even Funnier Than Shark Tale

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2005)

From the makers of shark tale and Shrek films, we have another laugh riot in MADAGASCAR. Well developed characters, a huge dose of scathing wit and infectious fun.
This tale is about a bunch of animals at the central park zoo in new york who are suddenly hit by 'freedom fever' spread by the crazy penguins. Alex the lion (voice of Ben Stiller) and zebra named Marty
( voice of Chris Rock ) are the best of friends who are also the star attractions at the zoo. Alex loves to impress the crowds with his antics every day and for that, he is rewarded with chunks of steaks, his favorite food. At night, he hangs out with Marty, Gloria the hippo ( Jada Pinkett Smith )and Melman the hypochondriac giraffe ( David Schimmer ). The four friends lead a relatively carefree life as celebrities, having no idea what life is like outside the zoo or in the wild. Things change when Marty turns 10 and encounters a group militant penguins trying to dig their way out to the Antartica. This sets Marty pondering about his lot in life....like, how he would have fared in the wild, and whether he is white with black stripes or black with white stripes. These thoughts egg him so much that he breaks out and heads for Grand Central Station where he plans to go to Connecticut--the only area with wide spaces that he knows of ! His worried pals takes off after him and after being caught and put in a ship, they end up........you guess it : MADAGASCAR !!
It is here that the tone of the movie gets even wilder and wackier. The four 'zoosters' find themselves in the land of the lemurs who love techno dancing and partying---sounds familiar eh?... The lemurs biggest problem is that the coyote like 'fossas' would gate-crash their party and threaten their lives.
Now, there is a new king in this jungle--and Alex is invited to be their protector. However, as the new 'predator', Alex starts seeing his friends as potential food....
All in a good animation movie. It is fresh and inventive and the the graphics well detailed. Directors Eric DArnell and TOm Mcgrath keep the going as lighthearted as possible without being preachy. It is also about friendship triumphing over rudimentary instincts---and any child would understand easily. All of the voice cast intelligently bringing these characters alive.
Check this one out guys !!!