Production Year: 2005 - Family - Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Cedric The Entertainer, Andy Richter more
Two features. In 'Madagascar' the friendship between a New York City lion and zebra is tested when fate brings them out to the unforgiving wilderness in this computer-animated... more
A review by 3rdRockSatan on Madagascar / Penguin Christmas Caper (Animated) (DVD) July 27th, 2005
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Indifferent to it
Story
Satisfactory
Characters / Performances
Satisfactory
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Satisfactory
Advantages:
Nice start | Some good animation
Disadvantages:
Drags too much in the middle | Needs more of the penquins
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The days when a CGI movie could guarantee a studio a shed-load of cash are gone. Sure, they are still very profitable, but the fact is that people have seen enough of fancy animation and now look for a good story as well as eye candy. Pixar are still the current leaders in both fields and they haven't dropped the bat yet (even if Nemo was verging on an old-stlye Disney friend flick) but other studios are having to rethink some of their ideas. Dreamworks last foray into CGI was Shark Tale which still grossed $160m but could have easily surpassed $200m if the story and appeal to both adults and kids had been better. So, with Shrek 3 still a few years away, they bring us Madagascar hoping to take a lucrative chunk of the summer box office.
In the world of Madagascar people don't find it at all strange that animals can get up, perform and talk to them. Marty the zebra (Chris Rock) is one such animal but he yearns for something else and that something else is the Wild. His three other friends the self-obsessed lion Alex (Ben Stiller), hippo Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) and hypochondriac giraffe Melman (David Schwimmer) don't seem too bothered about wanting more because they have a pretty cushy life at the zoo. However spurred on by some psychotic penguins Marty decides to carry out his actions and they lead him and a selection of his animal buddies stranded on a remote island and into the real wild he dreamed about. Soon the animals crack under the stress of having to fend for themselves and the truth about their primal instincts come out.
Madagascar may start off quite well, you are instantly thrown into the main meat of the story and everything is set at a rather quick pace but it doesn't seem to last. The main problem with the film is that it doesn't really seem to go anywhere. By the time the foursome get landed in the real jungle and it deals with them trying to come to terms with the harsh reality of life and Alex combating his primal instincts, the film loses steam and seems to chug from one scene to the next with little baring on where its supposed to he headed. Repetition seems to feature heavily in the film, the animals will argue, have a fight then make up and then do it all over again and again just to get the minutes of the film topped up. In doing so its follows a 'buddy film' formula we've all seen before, breakdown of the group, the going of separate ways, some dangerous scene to bring them back together and a happy end. There's nothing wrong with sticking to a well-known formula but the film doesn't really try anything too different or special while doing so.
The humour, while good in certain places, isn't as subtle or clever in similar films. In an age where films for 'kids' have grown up and given children some respect for actually having brain cells it seems a shame that Madagascar seems to take a step back and moves into slapstick territory. Slapstick can be funny so long as it isn't stretched too far and unfortunately the film does seem to overplay the 'wackyness' of seeing the animals fight, fall over and generally go from one mishap to another. Of course maybe children won't really mind as much but maybe parents will. Madagascar shoves in some obligatory references to pop culture that adults will be able to appreciate but even they can miss the mark. The American Beauty one is well placed but probably a few years too late but at least it's recognisable, which is more than can be said for the Twilight Zone reference that won't hit everyone's radar despite it being quite funny. As stated, though, some parts of the film are still amusing. Sometimes when it doesn't try so hard to be in your face the film can shine (the travelling on the subway is one of those moments) and some of the dialogue between the characters is also worthy of a chuckle or two.
But let's not get too downbeat about the film because it does a few things well enough. The characters could make or break a film like this and luckily the foursome manages to keep the movie afloat…just about. They mesh together quite well and they may not all be loveable as characters in Pixar films normally are but they are likeable. Ben Stiller as a lion may not seem well suited on paper but actually hearing him makes things slightly more believable but not quite perfect enough. Chris Rock is someone you are either going to love or loathe because as he is accustomed for his portrayal as Marty is loud and proud and this can grate and amuse in equal measures. Jada-Pinkett Smith delivers the usually sassy lines for the group but is woefully underused. David Schwimmer seems entirely suited to play a giraffe, though at times feeling like a spare tire he also provides some of the best moments of the foursome. However, it is actually the characters we see less of that give a lot of the best scenes. The psychotic penguins steal the screen whenever they happen to be on and it's just a shame that they disappear for a good chunk of the movie, it would have been interesting to see how they lived on the island. Midway we get introduced to the Lemur tribe headed by Sacha Baron Cohen, while he will split people just like Rock will he adds some much needed spirit and fun into the plodding middle of the film. However it's his wry sidekick that gets the best lines out of it.
The film also looks pretty good too. It doesn't seem to go out of its way to be the next best looking CGI film, now that people have grown accustomed to the art there seems less need to show what can be done. It looks more like a traditional cartoon than an ultra-modern CGI film and it's a style that suits the film well. Characters have that angular but bold and stylish look that gives them a slightly retro look. The tropical paradise looks just like you'd think one to be, bright, colourful and vibrant. This is in contrast to the views of Central Park Zoo which is still quite colourful and a lot more clean looking than the original one but still enclosed and a whole lot less 'wild'. The night time exploration and previous scenes in the twilight, however, are beautifully done and also slow down the pace to allow for the characters to breathe a bit more which provides a welcome breather after such an action packed opening. Madagascar may not wow you in terms of technique but it has a style that suits it well.
Madagascar is no Shrek but it's also not as brash as Shark Tale. Kids will love this film but the film lacks the crossover appeal from the young to the old that many movies of its kind seems to have so adults may find the rather slow pace in the middle and the endless squabbling of the animals lacking substance. This is not too surprising as the film doesn't really have any deep, meaningful message to push across. This is your typical live-action, easily watchable summer flick but in CGI form. Good enough for a few popcorn munching hours but, unfortunately, unmemorable and uninspiring when it comes down to the end of it all.
MADAGASCAR IS
Light-hearted fun Lovely and stylish Pretty standard
MADAGASCAR IS NOT
Trying anything new As funny as it tries to be Going to impress adults as much
Advantages: Simple comedy,looks good, entertaining. Disadvantages: Not as clever as Shrek,old plot line.
...on a sandy beach in Madagascar and wander into the middle of a party. Finding themselves in the wild they have to fend for themselves and soon become very much aware of what they are. This causes all kinds of strife and woe, but of course, I'm not going to give much away if I tell you the friendly foursome make it in the end. Madagascar isn't in the same league as Shrek. It doesn't have the same adult appeal, though it is entertaining and my three ... ...Personally I enjoyed Madagascar a lot. I, however, am easily pleased. I am a fan of simple comedy and enjoyed regressing to the level of my three year old and giggling and singing along. If you or your child are a little more sophisticated and demanding then you might be slightly disappointment as Madagascar is not a real jewel of a film. It is just a jumble of jungle fun.
You must see this in the cinema if:
* You have a child between 3-6 (ish) ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
This is a fairly good film for children and would slightly interest adults. It is well made and has a good stroryline, but could be a bit more humourous. The ending is also not brilliant.
Advantages: great family film to watch with the kids Disadvantages: a bit obvious
...washed upon the shore of madagascar where they find themselves reverting to wild animals ( a great laugh when Alex gets so hungry he wants to eat Marty). They meet crazy creatures with big hats (Lemurs) and have a great adventure.
Now this is as far as i can go without spoiling the ending. But believe me this is a great family film. Although intended for children it is perhaps more an adult film. The soundtrack to accompany this film includes great ... ...like to move it
3. Hawaii 5-0
4. Boogie wonderland
5. Whacked out conspiricy
6. Chariots of fire
7. staying alive
8. Zoosters break out
9. Born free
10. The fossa attack
11. Beacon of liberty
12. What a wonderful world
13. New York New York ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Animation was amazing. Cool plot Disadvantages: We could have seen more of Madagascar
Madagascar is one of those family animated films with lots of animals which you expect to be a let-down. This was NOT a let-down! The plot was very funny and there were some funny jokes in it as well for the whole family. The animation is very good and how often do you see animals escape from places like New York City, get on a boat and they fight in crates. Then they land on Madagascar! That must have had a LOT of thought going into this movie! ... ...The penguin's Christmas...who can forget this. Private sees Ted the polarbear who's sad this Christmas so Private escapes from the zoo and onto the streets of NY to try and get him a present. He ends up becoming a Christmas present himself for an old ladys maniac dog called Mr. Chew! You won't be able to stop laughing when you see this again and again and again! ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: sehr schöne Computergrafik, unterhaltsame Story, witzige Jokes Disadvantages: manchmal ein klein bisschen langatmig
...in der die Pinguine auf Madagascar eintreffen. Um sich bemerkbar zu machen, steigt die Nilpferddame Gloria auf den Kopf der Giraffe Melman - der zusammengeknickte Hals und die lustigen Wackelbewegungen sind schon ganz originell.
Solche kleinen Gags finden sich durch die Bank weg im gesamten Film. Einige sind zwar ein wenig versteckter, aber dennoch ist und bleibt der Film ein recht amüsanter Streifen.
Ideal, wenn ihr entweder gerade erst sechs ... ...PC???) oder mit der gesamten Familie ein wenig schmunzeln möchtet.
Ich vergebe 4 von 5 Sternen und verbleibe mit steakhungrigen Grüßen,
euer Darky (der Panther, der im Film fehlt, *lol*)
P.S.: Die deutsche DVD-Version (die ich mir auf jeden Fall kaufen werde) erscheint laut der Website des Versandhandels Amazon vorraussichtlich am 31.12.2005 und wird dort zum Preis von 22,99 € vertrieben. Vorbestellungen sind schon heute möglich. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful
Plot: Two features. In 'Madagascar' the friendship between a New York City lion and zebra is tested when fate brings them out to the unforgiving wilderness in this computer-animated feature. Chris Rock does the voice of Marty the Zebra, whose longing to explore beyond his cushy Central Park Zoo boundaries is the impetus that ultimately strands him and his pals on the shores of savage Madagascar. Marty loves the new, edible scenery, but his best friend Alex (voiced by Ben Stiller) the Lion begins to starve since his diet of thick steaks has been cut off, and the rump of his friend starts to look mighty tasty. Their other friends, a hypochondriac giraffe (David Schwimmer) and a sassy hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), try their best to think of a solution as the call of the wild slowly turns the starving Alex into Marty's worst nightmare. Meanwhile the hilariously self aggrandising King of the Ocelots (Sacha Cohen) has a plan to use Marty to repel their own carnivore problem. This kid-oriented comedy stays adult-friendly every step of the way thanks to a clever script that mixes New Yorker humour and even some existentialism in with the pratfalls and spit-takes. Jolts of comedic brilliance are supplied by some Arctic-bound escaped con penguins, and a couple of literary apes. It's not a musical, but classic songs from the likes of Louis Armstrong and Sammy Davis Jr. keep the montages flowing loose and sassy. Also includes 'Penguin Christmas Caper'.
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK; UNIVERSAL MUSIC OPERATIONS
Release date: 28/11/2005
No of Discs: 2
Catalogue No: 830 267 3
Screenwriter: Mark Burton, Tom McGrath, Billy Frolick, Eric Darnell
Two features. In 'Madagascar' the friendship between a New York City lion and zebra is tested when fate brings them out to the unforgiving wilderness in this computer-animated feature. Chris Rock does the voice of Marty the Zebra, whose longing to explore beyond his cushy Central Park Zoo boundaries is the impetus that ultimately strands him and his pals on the shores of savage Madagascar. Marty loves the new, edible scenery, but his best friend Alex (voiced by Ben Stiller) the Lion begins to starve since his diet of thick steaks has been cut off, and the rump of his friend starts to look mighty tasty. Their other friends, a hypochondriac giraffe (David Schwimmer) and a sassy hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), try their best to think of a solution as the call of the wild slowly turns the starving Alex into Marty's worst nightmare. Meanwhile the hilariously self aggrandising King of the Ocelots (Sacha Cohen) has a plan to use Marty to repel their own carnivore problem. This kid-oriented comedy stays adult-friendly every step of the way thanks to a clever script that mixes New Yorker humour and even some existentialism in with the pratfalls and spit-takes. Jolts of comedic brilliance are supplied by some Arctic-bound escaped con penguins, and a couple of literary apes. It's not a musical, but classic songs from the likes of Louis Armstrong and Sammy Davis Jr. keep the montages flowing loose and sassy. Also includes 'Penguin Christmas Caper'.
Technical information
Special Features: I Like To Move It Move It Music Video, Behind The Crates Mad Mishaps, Meet The Wild Cast, See The Tech Of Madagascar, Interactive Activities, DVDROM Downloads, Penguin Cam, Behind The Igloo, Silly Penguin Tricks
Aspect Ratio: 1.85 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Animated: Animated
Professional reviews
Review: A delightfully wacked new digitally animated comedy....Untamed fun (Entertainment Weekly, )
MADAGASCAR offers plenty of amusement (Sight and Sound, )
The animation is visually stunning, and the animals' stylized rendering and friendly look is in keeping with the energetic mood of the movie. (USA Today, )
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Listed on Ciao since : 27/07/2005
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