Back with Pride

Rating: 8/10 (12 November 2008)

Despite no air conditioning and several screaming babies in the theater, I thoroughly enjoyed "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa". Even though according to my bud Ron, "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" had 37% more penguins, I was initially unconvinced. Directors Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath's "Madagascar 2" proves far more than the broad children's animated feature. "Madagascar 2" has a great story of love and family by Etan Cohenmuch better than the original story in "Madagascar". "Madagascar 2" is also hysterical. When lion Alex (Ben Stiller) and bud zebra Marty (Chris Rock) attempt to demolish a dam, Alex asks, "Do you have any dynamite?" Marty (Rock) wryly exclaims, "Snap! I just used my last stick" To their credit Directors Darnell and McGrath expertly balance funny and sentimental. Visually, "Madagascar 2" is breathtaking particularly in its sweeping African vistas. Hans Zimmer's musical score is equally spectacular.
At the beginning of Cohen's narrative we discover the origins of lion cub Alex, and his fated path to the Central Park Zoo. Following the logical conclusion of "Madagascar" our heroes Alex (Stiller), Marty (Rock), hippo Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith), and giraffe Melman (David Schwimmer) are flying back to New York aboard the airplane piloted by head penguin Mort (hysterical Andy Richter) and his crew. Along for the ride are Lemur King Julian (comic genius Sacha Baron Cohen) and Maurice (funny Cedric the Entertainer). Predictably the plane never makes it to New York, instead crash landing in the heart of Africa. But before crashing Melman proclaims his unrequited love, "Gloria I love you!" to a snoring Gloria, much to the amazement of Alex and Marty.
Alex is soon reunited with his long lost father Zuba (the late Bernie Mac) and his Mom (sweet Sherrie Shepherd). Zuba proudly welcomes Alex to the pride. But not everyone rejoices, particularly rival lion Makunga (the great Alec Baldwin). The slithery and devious Makunga (Baldwin) schemes the demise of Zuba and Alex. The civilized and domesticated Alex finds he is soon out of his element, and Zuba begins to wonder if indeed his son is really destined to become the next Lion King. Here the story evolves unexpectedly into a poignant tale of great expectations and unconditional love. Mac brilliantly captures the spirit of Zuba, and he and Stiller have amazing chemistry. For comic relief while Melman yearns for Gloria's affections, Gloria is attracted to alpha male hippo Moto Moto (Will.I.Am). Mort (Richter) and his penguin crew squelch a chimp labor uprising in their quest to rebuild their airplane. And of course there is tough Grandma kicking some serious butt. Stiller, Rock, Smith, and Schwimmer are all natural and fit comfortably into their roles. Alec Baldwin and Sacha Baron Cohen demonstrate their comic prowess and take no prisoners.
"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" works with its surprisingly touching story of family blended with its sense of the hysterical and absurd. Gangster penguins piloting the friendly skies are completely hilarious and ridiculous. Mostly, "Madagascar 2" works because we care about their characters, and we have a vested interest in things turning out well. "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" is enjoyable and definitely worth seeing.