Very Funny with Music You Can Move it, Move it to

Rating: 9/10 (16 November 2008)

There were a lot of really young children in the theater when we saw this film Friday. My theory is that if the movie is louder than the talkers, they will give up eventually. That works with teenagers, but small children do not watch or follow the story, so they keep on chattering. I wonder why parents of infants bring them to the movies at all.
There is some humor which would be inappropriate for children if they could understand double entendres, but since they are not adults, they do not get those jokes. There is something to amuse the adults while entertaining the children with innocent fun. Children think butts are hilarious, and any humor relating to butts will send them over the edge.
What makes this movie fun is the great animation, cute characters, and a script that makes them likable. The story creates caring relationships, and it is heart warming without being cloying. The script is clean and crisp, and the jokes work.
The voices of stars make a huge difference. Puss in Boots by Antonio Banderas made "Shrek" a funnier series. Ellen Degeneris was better in "Finding Nemo" than she has ever been in anything in her life. She made the Nemo a much better movie. There are wonderful voices in "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa." Sasha Baron Cohen, as the voice of Julien, the delusional king of the lemurs, is a fabulous addition to this series. He is funny every time you see him. Chris Rock is the voice of all the Zebras, and he is always funny. Cedric the Entertainer plays Maurice, some kind of Furby, who is a toady to Julien; and Bernie Mac plays Zuba in one of his last performances before a premature death. The characters come alive with their voices.
Will i Am is new to the series, and he is excellent as the voice of the king of the Hippos, Moto Moto. The film is infused with a driving rhythm which makes you tap your toes. Many of the great songs are by Will i Am. Usually not much of a rap fan, I found the music terrific and will get this soundtrack for Will i Am's songs.
This is a fun, funny, upbeat movie. Take the kids, if they are 5 or older, and go along with them. There will be something for the grown-ups to enjoy too.