Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Entertaining "threequel" has some mild violence, innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 28 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film showcases vibrant animation and a variety of comedic elements, it contains more cartoon violence and intense scenes than previous installments, which has led to mixed reactions from families. Some appreciate the character development and humor, particularly from the penguins, while others express concerns over inappropriate content and find it less enjoyable for younger viewers.
- cartoon violence
- character development
- mixed reactions
- inappropriate content
- vibrant animation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 66 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a fun, colorful adventure perfect for families, featuring familiar characters that appeal to younger audiences. While some reviews highlight enjoyable comedy and positive messages, others criticize the plot for lacking the depth of earlier films, mentioning mild innuendos and violence that may not be suitable for very young viewers.
- fun family film
- colorful animation
- mild violence
- positive messages
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED opens, the four missing Central Park Zoo stars -- Alex the lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett-Smith), and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) -- are still stranded in Africa and homesick for the Big Apple. After the clever penguins build a plane and head off for Monte Carlo, the quartet summons the energy to swim to Monaco. But before they can grab the penguins, the friends wreak havoc on a casino and are pursued by determined animal-control cop Captain DuBois (Frances McDormand), who will stop at nothing to hunt and kill her one remaining animal trophy -- the lion. The only escape for Alex and his pals is to pretend to be circus performers and join a traveling circus led by grouchy Russian tiger Vitaly (Bryan Cranston) and sweet jaguar Gia (Jessica Chastain).
Is It Any Good?
Usually third (and fourth and fifth) follow-ups to a popular animated franchise are less exciting than their original films, but Madgascar 3 is a colorful, funny, globe-trotting tale. Yes, it might have a thin plot, but it makes up for that with fabulously flamboyant visuals and memorable new characters -- not to mention an over-the-top villain in Captain DuBois. McDormand is hilarious as the cleverly written animal catcher. In one of the movie's highlights, she belts out an Edith Piaf-esque torch song that leaves everyone around her with smudged mascara (even the men). With a sad backstory of loss and insecurity, Cranston's Russian tiger is one of the more complicated characters in the series, while Martin Short's sea lion is a source of continuous comic relief.
As for the central characters, Gloria and Melman have little to do but discover their love of circus performing, and Marty has his moment with that ubiquitous catchprase ("circus afro, circus afro, polka dot, polka dot, polka dot afro!"). The silly subplot with King Julien falling in love with tricycle-riding bear Sonya (who doesn't speak, only grunts) will delight kids more than adults, but the real romance is between Alex and Gia, who help each other discover that home is where the heart is, not necessarily where you used to live.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the two sets of animals help each other. What do the circus animals teach the Central Park Zoo pals about freedom? How do Alex and his friends make the circus better?
How does this installment of the franchise compare to the other two? Which one is your favorite?
How have the animals' adventures changed them? Why is the Central Park Zoo no longer the right home for the friends?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 8, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : October 16, 2012
- Cast : Ben Stiller , Chris Rock , David Schwimmer
- Director : Eric Darnell
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild action and rude humor
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate