Merry Madagascar (NR, 2009)
common sense media says
Funny holiday special spreads goodwill and joy.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this holiday special sequel to the popular Madagascar films has strong positive messages about generosity and goodwill. Expect some very mild flirting between a penguin and a reindeer and a reference to a character’s “booty,” but that’s about as eyebrow-raising as the content gets (there's also one instance of implied drinking, but it's brief and silly). The cartoonish violence is very mild -- so much so that even little kids won’t be upset by a scene of Santa’s sleigh crashing into the ground and the big man suffering a visible bump to the head. If your kids haven’t seen the full-length movies yet, they may want to after watching this.
Educational value:
The special is intended to entertain rather than to educate.
Positive role models:
The main characters make the difficult and unselfish decision to postpone their homecoming in order to make the holidays merry for all the kids on Santa’s Christmas list. Usually selfish King Julien learns why it's more fun to give than to receive.
Violence & scariness:
Santa’s sleigh crashes onto a beach, giving him a nasty bump on the head and a case of amnesia. A later crash brings back his memory. Other falls, crashes, and mishaps are played for humor and don’t result in lasting injury.
Sexy stuff:
Some mild flirting between a penguin and a reindeer that culminates in a dream scene showing the two married.
Language:
Some mild name-calling like “freak,” and at least one reference to a character’s “booty.”
Consumerism:
Nothing overt in the special itself, but there's plenty of tie-in merchandise available.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
In one scene, a lemur acts tipsy (swaggers around, giggles a lot, and talks nonsense), causing another to comment that he must have had too much seawater.
More on Merry Madagascar
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Most useful reviews by all members
staticxtx
parent of 3 and 10 year old
parent of 3 and 10 year old
My children love Madagascar, especially my 2 year old...so we went and bought the Merry Madagascar DVD...it has positive messages about sharing and considering other people's feelings. I see nothing wrong with letting children of all ages watch this movie.
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animalfanplus101
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
One of the best Christmas movies ever!
Love it! I love the Madagascar movies,espically this one. This is the movie that will grow a smile on a kid's face!
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BigTPOMFan11
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Christmas Tradition!
I LOVE this movie...It's something the whole family can watch every Christmas! Only a little bit of violence causing amnesia and during the beginning...Mort the Mouse Lemur passes out from too much sea water. I recommend this for kids ages 5+
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MSR-Atlanta
parent of 5 year old
parent of 5 year old
encourages bi-sexual concept with hidden themes
This movie has a hidden agenda of saying homosexuality is ok, they just name it as bi-polar. Parents beware!
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