Madagascar : Escape 2 Africa

Review by Sean Lynch
Watch Trailer : Madagascar : Escape 2 Africa

Get your wallets ready for a raidin' parents!

Between having to see the film and forking out for the bevvy of plush toys... you're bank balance is about to take a beating!

Thankfully there is an upside to the economic pain, because unlike most sequels to big hits - Madagascar 2 is better than the first.

The sequel to 2004's Madagascar reunites the escaped wacky Central Park Zoosters (Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo) as they set off from their tropical home in search of New York.

The only problem is, the plane is being flown by penguins - and it isn't long until the "big metal bird" takes a nose dive, leaving our hapless heroes in the wilderness of Africa.

To be honest, the first Madagascar never quite cut it for mine.

It was a fairly weak offering and famously ripped off the idea of the long forgotten - yet visually superior - Disney CGI flick The Wild.

Yet this latest installment has smoothed out any kinks and delivers a solid, fun adventure for the whole family.

There are plenty of gags for the adults, lots of cute stuff for the kids and some truly superb digital artwork.

While lacking the solid story of the first, Escape 2 Africa thrives in the freedom of the landscape and the knowledge that the audience has already been introduced to the characters.

The gags come thick and fast, with near every highlight emanating from yet another scene stealing performance from Sacha Baron Cohen's King Julien.

His energy and vocal inflections are truly unique - proving once again why Cohen is one of this generations most sought after comedians.

Good old fashioned family entertainment which is well worth checking out over the holiday break, especially for those who are still pining for another Lion King sequel, as you won't leave the cinema disappointed.

If only the same thing could be said about every Ben Stiller movie!

3.5 out of 5

Madagascar : Escape 2 Africa
Australian release: 18th December, 2009
Official Site: Madagascar : Escape 2 Africa
Cast: Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cedric The Entertainer, Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer
Director: Eric Darnell & Tom McGrath