Wearing Madagascar 3 Afro Circus Wigs
Madagascar 3 is the third chapter in the Madagascar series. Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Melman (David Schwimmer) are still trying to make it back to New York’s Central Park Zoo from being stranded in Africa. They make it to Monte Carlo to find the Penguins so they can fly home. Along the way, they have to escape from the villainess Capitaine Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand), an animal control agent intent on catching the crew. To escape DuBois, they hitch a train with traveling circus who is heading to London.
Review: I don’t like sequels especially kids movie sequels but I was pleasantly surprised that I liked Madagascar 3. Do I think it’s as good as Up or Toy Story 3? No, but parents will be happy with all the pop culture references especially New York parents as the script makes tons of them. What I liked about the storyline is the how the main characters stick together from the opening scene where they try to make Alex feel better about not being in New York to the finale where they work together to accomplish their goal. The main chase scene through Monte Carlo in my opinion equals or is better than any action sequence from a Transformers movie.
The best new character to this sequel is Animal Control Agent Capitaine Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand) who is obsessed with catching the animals. Not only is her French accent spot on but I loved how she put her red lipstick on at every turn. And don’t miss her rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Non Je ne Regrette Rien” which is actually quite moving and a great way to introduce your kids to Edith Piaf.
The introduction of the traveling circus provides the filmmakers with the opportunity to add some new characters who drive the story along, sometimes good (Sonya, the tricycle riding bear) sometimes bad (Alex’s love interest Gia, the Italian Jaguar and the Italian sea lion Stefano.)
I did love the animation which was quite colorful which was enhanced by 3-D (but still not worth the extra $3.00.) Be forewarned that if you do opt for 3-D, there lots of stuff that is going to literally be flying at you.
Finally, I loved the music from Melvin’s (Chris Rock) “Afro Circus” song to Katy Perry’s “Firework” to “We Speak No Americano.”
Do I recommend it? Yes, your kids will love it and you will like it.
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