Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)

Sequel is fun but doesn't break any new ground.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Dreamworks Animation
  • Directed By: Eric Darnell
  • Cast: Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Ben Stiller
  • Running Time: 99 minutes
  • Release Date: 11/8/2008
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 12/31/1969
  • Genre: Family and Kids
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • MPAA Explanation: some mild crude humor

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this sequel to the popular animated movie Madagascar will likely please all ages. But there are some mild sexual allusions (Gloria the hippo flirts with a brawny male hippo who likes her figure and isn't shy about saying so) and cartoonish violence (sequences include a plane crash, a handbag-packing grandma, and hunters wielding guns). There's also come crude/potty humor to watch out for, and an upsetting scene early on in which a young Alex is separated from his father against his will.

Families can talk about the film's portrayals of friendships and how friends can deal with their companions' different personalities. Families can also discuss the film's use of clichés and stereotypes as jokes. Also, ask kids what they think about Alex's dilemma, especially when he realizes he's not like the other lions who grew up with a pride. What do you think of how he handles the situation? And what of Melman and Gloria and Marty's plight after finding themselves in the savannah? How does their adventure tear them apart and -- more importantly -- bring them together?

Message

Social Behavior:

Four friends drift apart after crash landing in Africa and must face -- and accept -- their own weaknesses. There are some challenging moments, as when Alex can't tell the difference between Marty and other zebras, but in the end, the characters do seem to find peace within themselves and in turn be better friends to others. There's some crude/potty humor along the way (spitting, nose picking, etc.). A young Alex is separated from his father against his will in a scene that could be upsetting for some kids.

Consumerism:

Mentions of an iPod and the New York Zoo, as well as references to being famous and catering to one's audience. And, of course, the movie itself is tied into a lot of merchandise and other marketing initiatives.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

A few scenes may be a little disturbing for younger kids. There's a jarring plane crash that puts characters in peril, but no one is seriously hurt. An old lady gets into a physical fight with a lion, and the lion has no compunctions about hitting her back (both take some hard hits but come out OK). The same woman fights with other lions later. Guns are trained on animals, and there's a power struggle between two leaders on the savannah. A lion rite of passage involves a fight for dominance. Animals, including a main character, are shown in what are called "dying holes" when they are sick. One main character almost ends up in a volcanoful of hot lava (and another minor one eventually takes the plunge).

Sex

A hippo flirts strongly with another hippo, who tells her several times how much he likes her body. Some additional mild romance.

Language

"Stupid" and "butt" are as salty as it gets.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Jhoanna Wade

The superstars of the New York Zoo -- Alex the lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) -- are finally headed home. Or so it seems. Instead, their sketchy Air Penguin plane crashes, landing them in the African savannah. But not just any savannah: It turns out to be Alex's former stomping grounds, where he roamed as a cub until poachers snagged him while his father was fending off an attack from deceitfully ambitious foe Makunga (Alec Baldwin). Alex's father's people embrace his arrival -- until Makunga manages to get him banished. Meanwhile, Marty wrestles with insecurity when he realizes that other zebras are a lot like him, Melman must contain his jealousy over Gloria's growing interest in male hippos, and how are they ever going to find their way back home?

Is it any good?

3

Cheerful and entertaining, if a mite predictable, MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA won't disappoint fans of the original. All of the endearing mainstays are back, including the beloved band of devious, mechanically inclined penguins. The movie is also blessed with the same catchy theme song -- "I Like to Move It" -- as the first, and it's guaranteed to leave visions of lemurs and lions dancing in audiences' heads for weeks.

The movie's jokes mostly make the cut (though Sacha Baron Cohen's preening as Julien the lemur may tire grownups after a while, if not kids) -- but though it's better than many originals, it doesn't quite qualify as a classic, if only because the story doesn't offer any real surprises. (Even the mean handbag lady makes an expected appearance.) Nevertheless, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa provides the sweet escape you long for when you go to the movies.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 25 reviews.

1

Posted on 12/17/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

What is with the old lady beating up the Lion?

She never stopped - even after she recognized the Lion. Did people really think this was funny? Nobody in the theatre was laughing and certainly not my 8 year old. The plane crash was extememly intense. This is not a little kids movie, but then what is? They are all made for adults, with all the stupid inuendos. God forbid a parent be bored for an hour so their kid could have a funny and enjoyable experience. All you parents that are taking your kids to these cookie cutter, money making bonanzas really should take the time to see these movies through the eyes of your child. Is it really to much to ask to let these kids have a childhood not filled with this intensity and violence? And if you don't think this movie was violent, think again. And there wasn't even a good story to carry it through.
3


Posted on 11/27/08 by DBarto Adult contributor

Madagascar: Escape 2 Average, but Still Fun

This is a really fun movie, but lacks in plot twists, and is a bit short. All of your favorite actors are back, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith, preforming their rolls somewhat better than before. My biggest gripe is that it is really short, only 89 minutes, and there is 11 story lines (but all are simple to follow). If you need some family fun, go ahead and watch it, the kids will love it. 3 out of 5.
5


Posted on 11/20/08 by l33t3d Adult contributor

Better than the first

The first was one good, but seemed to a lower quality Disney/Pixar movie. I liked it, 6/10. I thought this one was going to be the same, but NO it's better than the first. It has a good story, picking up with the last one and leaving it for another one. I'm not saying the story was rich and deep, but it was good for a cartoon, and the laughs made up for it. My whole family was rolling and laughing. 8/10.
5


Posted on 11/20/08 by bmommy Adult contributor

big group of 4 and 5 year olds AND the parents, LOVED IT! Can't wait to buy it on DVD!

We are very careful about what our 4 year old sees on TV and in movies, and we are definitely NOT on the High School Musical/Hannah Montana bandwagon that everyone else seems to be on (that is so clearly not age appropriate to us). That being said, we took our son and a group of his friends, with everyone's parents in tow, to see Madagascar 2, and WE LOVED IT! The parents enjoyed all the jokes that were over the kids heads, and we laughed throughout it. The kids enjoyed the more simplistic aspects of it, and danced and giggled their way through it. I have to emphasize that we are not very liberal parents who expose our child to just anything. For example, we feel the Hulk and Spiderman movies are too much for him at age 4, and we are careful what is on the TV when he is in the room. While there were one or two eyebrow raising scenes in my eyes (but not in my husband's), we were not offended or concerned about this movie at all. If you see the lemur as cross-dressing, as one reviewer stated, then you are projecting your own view onto it. Comedians for decades have donned women's apparel for a laugh, and it hasn't gone out of style. Lighten up. Highly recommend this movie. We loved the first one and loved this sequel even more. The day after seeing the sequel, we watched our Madagascar original DVD again and definitely felt that the laughs in the second one exceeded the first, but who cares, really? They are fun, escapist movies where you can go with your kids and forget about the yucky economy and other problems and just laugh yourself silly. Enjoy!
5


Posted on 11/18/08 by vvfrn Kid contributor, age 15

Very funny!! A Great movie!!

It was funny and worth watching!!!
5

Posted on 11/16/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11

it's funny!

funny. awesome. cool.
5

Posted on 11/16/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor
1


Posted on 11/15/08 by jennyjentry Kid contributor, age 13

The Original Wins!

Ok, I loved the original movie wich came out about, mabey, 6 years ago and was waiting to see the new one. Well it left me disapointed. though I just might have been a little too old to watch a kiddie movie. Good for 3-10 years of age.
3


Posted on 11/14/08 by jenniferg Adult contributor

I thought the first was better

My kids didn't understand all the jokes but overall it was fun and nothing offensive.
2


Posted on 11/13/08 by underdog Adult contributor

I cringed at all the innuendo

I disagree that this movie is okay for 6 yr olds, just because it is animated. The frequent sexual undertones to this movie surprised me, and I found them to be unnecessary. It was hardly innuendo -- beginning with the opening scenes of the flaming-gay cross-dressing lemur jumping out of a cake (who's flamboyant behavior continued thru the movie), to the dripping wet hippos slow dancing while both admire each others bodies in stereotypic fashion, and continuing with the lead penguin having a seeming affair with a doll. It seemed many scenes were unnecessary to move the plot along, but I assume were added to make the movie long enough, and show off the (admittedly) amazing animation/technical ability of DreamWorks. Check your kid's morals at the door, or have a long discussion with them afterward of their understanding of these aspects.

See all 25 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 13 reviews.

1

Posted on 12/17/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

What is with the old lady beating up the Lion?

She never stopped - even after she recognized the Lion. Did people really think this was funny? Nobody in the theatre was laughing and certainly not my 8 year old. The plane crash was extememly intense. This is not a little kids movie, but then what is? They are all made for adults, with all the stupid inuendos. God forbid a parent be bored for an hour so their kid could have a funny and enjoyable experience. All you parents that are taking your kids to these cookie cutter, money making bonanzas really should take the time to see these movies through the eyes of your child. Is it really to much to ask to let these kids have a childhood not filled with this intensity and violence? And if you don't think this movie was violent, think again. And there wasn't even a good story to carry it through.
3


Posted on 11/27/08 by DBarto Adult contributor

Madagascar: Escape 2 Average, but Still Fun

This is a really fun movie, but lacks in plot twists, and is a bit short. All of your favorite actors are back, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith, preforming their rolls somewhat better than before. My biggest gripe is that it is really short, only 89 minutes, and there is 11 story lines (but all are simple to follow). If you need some family fun, go ahead and watch it, the kids will love it. 3 out of 5.
5


Posted on 11/20/08 by l33t3d Adult contributor

Better than the first

The first was one good, but seemed to a lower quality Disney/Pixar movie. I liked it, 6/10. I thought this one was going to be the same, but NO it's better than the first. It has a good story, picking up with the last one and leaving it for another one. I'm not saying the story was rich and deep, but it was good for a cartoon, and the laughs made up for it. My whole family was rolling and laughing. 8/10.
5


Posted on 11/20/08 by bmommy Adult contributor

big group of 4 and 5 year olds AND the parents, LOVED IT! Can't wait to buy it on DVD!

We are very careful about what our 4 year old sees on TV and in movies, and we are definitely NOT on the High School Musical/Hannah Montana bandwagon that everyone else seems to be on (that is so clearly not age appropriate to us). That being said, we took our son and a group of his friends, with everyone's parents in tow, to see Madagascar 2, and WE LOVED IT! The parents enjoyed all the jokes that were over the kids heads, and we laughed throughout it. The kids enjoyed the more simplistic aspects of it, and danced and giggled their way through it. I have to emphasize that we are not very liberal parents who expose our child to just anything. For example, we feel the Hulk and Spiderman movies are too much for him at age 4, and we are careful what is on the TV when he is in the room. While there were one or two eyebrow raising scenes in my eyes (but not in my husband's), we were not offended or concerned about this movie at all. If you see the lemur as cross-dressing, as one reviewer stated, then you are projecting your own view onto it. Comedians for decades have donned women's apparel for a laugh, and it hasn't gone out of style. Lighten up. Highly recommend this movie. We loved the first one and loved this sequel even more. The day after seeing the sequel, we watched our Madagascar original DVD again and definitely felt that the laughs in the second one exceeded the first, but who cares, really? They are fun, escapist movies where you can go with your kids and forget about the yucky economy and other problems and just laugh yourself silly. Enjoy!
5

Posted on 11/16/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor
3


Posted on 11/14/08 by jenniferg Adult contributor

I thought the first was better

My kids didn't understand all the jokes but overall it was fun and nothing offensive.
2


Posted on 11/13/08 by underdog Adult contributor

I cringed at all the innuendo

I disagree that this movie is okay for 6 yr olds, just because it is animated. The frequent sexual undertones to this movie surprised me, and I found them to be unnecessary. It was hardly innuendo -- beginning with the opening scenes of the flaming-gay cross-dressing lemur jumping out of a cake (who's flamboyant behavior continued thru the movie), to the dripping wet hippos slow dancing while both admire each others bodies in stereotypic fashion, and continuing with the lead penguin having a seeming affair with a doll. It seemed many scenes were unnecessary to move the plot along, but I assume were added to make the movie long enough, and show off the (admittedly) amazing animation/technical ability of DreamWorks. Check your kid's morals at the door, or have a long discussion with them afterward of their understanding of these aspects.
4


Posted on 11/13/08 by lexipotpie Adult contributor

Awesome Movie!

This movie was great! I saw it in the theaters, and everybody was laughing. The six year olds liked it, the two year old girl in front of me loved it, the adults with their children loved it, and so did I! It was fantastic, and there are some wonderful actors in that movie! If you think that the first Madagascar was appropriate for your child, this one will be too.
3


Posted on 11/08/08 by Moviereviewer12 Adult contributor

Funny!

Funny movie! I saw it on Friday!
5


Posted on 11/07/08 by thecoolpeoples Adult contributor

HIPPO-M-G

Hippos flirt with each other. My hippo conspiracy theory is coming true, hippos will one day rule the WORLD world world. ECHO echo echo.
See all 13 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 12 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/18/08 by vvfrn Kid contributor, age 15

Very funny!! A Great movie!!

It was funny and worth watching!!!
5

Posted on 11/16/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11

it's funny!

funny. awesome. cool.
1


Posted on 11/15/08 by jennyjentry Kid contributor, age 13

The Original Wins!

Ok, I loved the original movie wich came out about, mabey, 6 years ago and was waiting to see the new one. Well it left me disapointed. though I just might have been a little too old to watch a kiddie movie. Good for 3-10 years of age.
5


Posted on 11/13/08 by Sean Jon10 Kid contributor, age 16

Umm.....

Loved the first one as well wow it's prefered for 6yrs. old kids and I'm 16 wow.
3


Posted on 11/13/08 by jackiemcpink Kid contributor, age 12

Great Kid Movie

This was a very good story for a little kid. When I was watching it with my day and my friends, we laughed a few times, but definetley wasn't an older kid movie. It was really cute.
4


Posted on 11/12/08 by avitarfan1 Kid contributor, age 12

very funny!!

this is a very funny movie. when the movie start's you see a audlt lion and his cub. he is trying to teach him fight but all he does dance.then a lion comes over to fight him dad wins bla bla bla.cub sees a rope he follows it then a hunter puts him in a creat the dad goes after the hunter gets shot on the ear lives.the zoo takes him he turns out to be alex.the rest you have to go see. one way or another you will like it. it is very very funny so go see it. p.s. just for the record im 12 not 11!!!
4

Posted on 11/10/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13
4


Posted on 11/10/08 by diryahan Kid contributor, age 15

i laughed that i didnt sleep

i love comedy
5


Posted on 11/09/08 by bobome Kid contributor, age 9

AWESOME, SEE IT

Wow I saw it in IMax And I was amazed first,the humor was appropriate for everyone,it is full of laughs,sad little squirells, and dumb hippos named Moto moto[Played by bernie mac] so what are you waiting for Go AND SEE IT
5


Posted on 11/09/08 by cherrybunnyblast Kid contributor, age 15

I made me laugh

It made me laugh so hard I couldn't even stop.
See all 12 kids reviews >
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