Screens & Tech
'Madagascar 3': Going through the motions
Courtesy photo
Published: June 13, 2012
The Penguins of Madagascar is one of the few TV shows that's better than the movies it's spun off from. That's probably why the third outing in this increasingly tiresome animated franchise gives the aquatic flightless birds — along with their lemur and monkey co-stars, all originally supporting characters — more screen time.
The focus is still on the main quartet of animals (voiced by Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith), still trying to find their way home to America and now traipsing across Europe as part of a traveling circus. But the movie only comes to life when the action shifts away from them. The plot and gags are basically variations on those found in the other two movies, with European landmarks standing in for the African plains and New York City streets. The few moments of inspiration and absurdity are, as Alex the lion tells the circus animals, just going through the motions. Good thing we have the supporting crew.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
★★ ½ (out of 5 stars)
Dir. Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon; writ. Eric Darnell, Noah Baumbach; feat. the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, Sacha Baron Cohen (PG)
> Email Michael Gallucci
To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.
Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.
