Spring Break
'Madagascar 2' another disappointing sequel
Karen Tableriou
Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: The Edge
In a large mixing bowl, add in four parts militaristic penguins, two parts crazy dancing lemurs, one theatrical lion, a unique zebra, a voluptuous hippo and one whacked out hypochondriac giraffe. Stir together until blended, top off with just a pinch of plot devices, great dialogue and a whole slew of new animals to create DreamWorks' recent film, "Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa."
As with most sequels, "M2" pales in comparison with the original. The action was a bit dry, the humor spotty and the storyline almost a cop-out. Returning to the big screen are the original voices of "Madagascar's" stranded zoo animals, including Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty) and Sacha Baron Cohen (the lovable King Julian). New recruits in "M2" are Bernie Mac as Zuba, Alex's father, and Alec Baldwin as Makunga, the evildoer.
Here's how the tale goes: Alex was originally born in Africa, but was kidnapped by hunters and sent to the Central Park zoo. Now, several years later, Alex and the whole gang (including fabulous King Julian) leave Madagascar only to crash land in the wildlife preserve of Africa.
There they meet other zebras, hippos, giraffes and lions. Let the frolicking begin with happy go-lucky songs, love interests, yadda yadda yadda. Bored yet?
Even though the movie is lacking a backbone, the few bits of great humor placed (almost strategically) throughout kept the interest of viewers until the very end.
One of the greatest characters in "M2" was Julian. You know, the lemur king from the island of Madagascar who is completely self-absorbed and obsessed with his variety of crowns. Whenever he pops up in the film, hilarity ensues.
Julian is an adept speaker, inciting any crowd to action whether it be catering to the New York Giants or demanding a sacrifice to appease the volcano god. Come on, he's got a dancing gecko on his crown; who doesn't love that?
Remember how the first movie went? People didn't play a large role, yet "M2" makes some changes to its people policy. Think back to the train station scene in "Madagascar." Do you recall the weird old woman who beat up Alex? She's back and crazier than ever! Was this really effective in the storyline? Of course not. She is just a weak plot device thrown in to the mix.
DreamWorks: Next time, leave her out and get a little backbone in your story.
As with most sequels, "M2" pales in comparison with the original. The action was a bit dry, the humor spotty and the storyline almost a cop-out. Returning to the big screen are the original voices of "Madagascar's" stranded zoo animals, including Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty) and Sacha Baron Cohen (the lovable King Julian). New recruits in "M2" are Bernie Mac as Zuba, Alex's father, and Alec Baldwin as Makunga, the evildoer.
Here's how the tale goes: Alex was originally born in Africa, but was kidnapped by hunters and sent to the Central Park zoo. Now, several years later, Alex and the whole gang (including fabulous King Julian) leave Madagascar only to crash land in the wildlife preserve of Africa.
There they meet other zebras, hippos, giraffes and lions. Let the frolicking begin with happy go-lucky songs, love interests, yadda yadda yadda. Bored yet?
Even though the movie is lacking a backbone, the few bits of great humor placed (almost strategically) throughout kept the interest of viewers until the very end.
One of the greatest characters in "M2" was Julian. You know, the lemur king from the island of Madagascar who is completely self-absorbed and obsessed with his variety of crowns. Whenever he pops up in the film, hilarity ensues.
Julian is an adept speaker, inciting any crowd to action whether it be catering to the New York Giants or demanding a sacrifice to appease the volcano god. Come on, he's got a dancing gecko on his crown; who doesn't love that?
Remember how the first movie went? People didn't play a large role, yet "M2" makes some changes to its people policy. Think back to the train station scene in "Madagascar." Do you recall the weird old woman who beat up Alex? She's back and crazier than ever! Was this really effective in the storyline? Of course not. She is just a weak plot device thrown in to the mix.
DreamWorks: Next time, leave her out and get a little backbone in your story.
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