Return to Africa and Forget This Film.

Rating: 5/10 (27 December 2015)

Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa (2008): Dir: Eric Durnell, Tom McGrath / Voices: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen: Formula sequel about home. Alex the lion is reunited with his parents but deceived during a challenge for King. Marty the zebra struggles with individuality. Melman the giraffe tries to deal with his feelings towards Gloria the hippopotamus. Directors Eric Durnell and Tom McGrath do their best and are actually backed by a decent followup to the original hit. The ending is totally obvious but the premise continues nicely. Ben Stiller voices Alex who must prove himself after a humiliating defeat at the claws of another lion. Chris Rock voices Marty whose identity is marked only through his friendship with Alex. David Schwimmer voices Melman who fears he is dying. He also struggles with his feelings towards Gloria. Jada Pinkett Smith voices Gloria whose relationship with Melman is questionable at best. She is seen courted by a self loving male hippo whom she feels no passion for. Despite their strange romantic fling it also should be noted that lions generally do not mingle well with the other animals Alex pals with here. Sacha Baron Cohen voices a highly flamboyant lemur named King Julien. Beautiful animation should appeal to children whom should see this as a worthy escape. Score: 5 / 10