Movie Review: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Can The Sequel Live Up to the Wonderfully Funny Original Madagascar?
Dec 16, 2008
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is the sequel to the 2005 Madagascar movie. The original was a surprise hit of the year and has gained near cult status among fans who love the balance between light hearted children’s comedy and clever in jokes. The new film promises more of the same which can be a risky strategy that too often fails to come off.
A DreamWorks Production
The latest DreamWorks production retains the all star cast from Madagascar and even adds a few high profile names. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith return as Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria respectively. The four lead characters are supported by a host of other big names including Cedric the Entertainer, Alec Baldwin, Will.I.Am and of course Sacha Baron Cohen who voices King Julian, the hugely camp self appointed King of Madagascar. Writer Etan Cohen builds on the original story successfully. He has a strong track record, and has also worked with Stiller on Tropic Thunder, something which shows in the tone and dialogue of this film.
What to Expect
The story line sees our heroes from the previous film finally set to escape Madagascar and head home to the concrete jungle of New York. As they board the plane they are horrified to be joined by King Julian and his sarcastic, yet faithful side kick Maurice. They have bigger worries to contend with however, having put their journey and their lives in the hand of the penguins. After a predictable crash landing, the animals find themselves in Africa, and by strange coincidence in Alex’s family territory.
The relationship between the newly reunited family draws various stories together, however the writers have done a good job of not being too tightly focused and keeping a number of story lines going in a fast, punchy manner, holding children’s attention and allows the comedy to flow on all levels. The introduction of other animals of their kind gives each character a chance to flesh out and develop from where the first film left off.
Laughing With or Laughing At?
The jokes are often rehashed from the original film, and while this is an understandable tactic, it is still a bit hit or miss. In terms of storyline the film does a relatively good job of being stand alone, however if you hadn’t seen the first film a lot of the comedy would pass you by. Some may be disappointed that King Julian is not more heavily featured, as his character was at the forefront of many of the jokes in the first movie. The writers seem to have been aware of the fact that this character is a bit of a one tricky pony, and have therefore played him down to stop the whole movie turning into a farce.
The Nana character also returns from the first film, this is another character whose existence centred on one, all be it amusing, joke in the first film. Here the writers have not done so well and have fallen in to the trap of over playing it, on the whole though they have managed to hit a good balance throughout.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is never going to have quite the same brilliance as Madagascar, however there are some truly inspired moments, such as King Julian’s brief rendition of Private Dancer. It will hold children’s attention and quickly become a family favourite. All in all this is a sequel that it’s older brother be proud of.
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