Common Sense Media Review
Cute animal story with some crude humor and innuendo.
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Madagascar
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say that the film offers a mix of humor and catchy songs, particularly enjoying the antics of the penguins and the main characters, which resonated well with families. However, some reviews express concerns about the inclusion of adult humor and specific scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences, suggesting it is more appropriate for children aged 5 and up, while others feel it lacks educational value and contains disturbing elements.
- humor and fun
- adult humor
- family friendly
- mixed reviews
- age appropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 86 kid reviews
Kids say the film is entertaining and funny, with highlights such as strong comedic moments and relatable themes about friendship and loyalty, though some reviews note concerns over crude humor and mild language that might not be suitable for younger viewers. While many praised it as a family-friendly movie, others expressed disappointment over its portrayal of Madagascar, arguing it lacked cultural depth and contained elements inappropriate for children.
- funny and entertaining
- family-friendly
- mild language
- crude humor
- cultural portrayal
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MADAGASCAR, unhappy Central Park Zoo zebra Marty (voiced by Chris Rock) yearns for open spaces and herds of other zebras, but his zoo friends—Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer)—are content. Still, when Marty makes a break for it one night, they all follow to rescue him but end up getting caught by human authorities who decide to ship the animals off. When their ship sinks and the animals wash up on the island of Madagascar, they must find community in a tribe of lemurs and avoid the lemur-eating "fossas." But when Alex goes too long without eating meat, everyone becomes possible prey. Will the adventurous animals make it home in one piece? What's for sure is that there will be many jungle-fueled hurdles trying to stop them along the way.
Is It Any Good?
This adventure comedy doesn't have a particularly compelling journey, but the voice actors are decent, and it's fun and has a cute premise. Madagascar's subplot involving a group of almost maniacal penguins is especially entertaining. They provide a spy-themed adventure that moves the plot when it lulls in other places. Bottom line? Even if it doesn't always feel fresh or new, viewers will likely laugh at the physical gags and Rock's kid-friendly material and enjoy a few moments with cuddly animals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Madagascar's portrayals of friendship and how friends can deal with their companions' different personalities. Did you relate to any of the friendships portrayed here?
Discuss the film's use of clichés and stereotypes as jokes (the "island" music that characterizes the lemur community, the whiny hypochondriac, the fey lemur king). Why do movies often fall back on stereotypes? At what point do stereotypes do harm?
When Alex gets hungry, he begins to act differently. Has there ever been a time you changed for the worse? How do you have compassion for others when they aren't quite themselves?
How does the team of animals work together? Does anyone emerge as a leader? What qualities does each animal offer to the team?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 27, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : November 15, 2005
- Cast : Ben Stiller , Chris Rock , Jada Pinkett Smith
- Directors : Eric Darnell , Tom McGrath
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild language, crude humor and some thematic elements
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : January 19, 2026
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