Madagascar --- definitely better than a zoo trip!

Title:
Madagascar (B+)
PH Release Date:
May 27, 2005
Voice Actors:
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, David Schwimmer, Cedric the Entertainer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Tom McGrath, Chris Knights
Director:
Eric Darnell et al.
Story and Screenplay:
Mark Burton et al.
Music:
Hans Zimmer
Producer:
Karey Kirkpatrick et al.
Studio:
Dreamworks



“I like to movie it, move it…. physically fit, physically fit!

Saw the trailer, didn’t like it. Forced to see it cuz it’s the only animated movie to be release this summer. There’s no way that I’m gonna take my little sis to watch somebody get beheaded by a blue fluorescent lamp. I was prepared to be disappointed. I am pretty sure that this movie is no Shrek or the Increbiles, instead, it’s an excuse for its stars to actually have a movie that their kids can watch. I was wrong and a bit right.

The story revolves around four animal friends who “work” in the Central Park Zoo. Alex the Lion (Stiller) is the star of the show, addicted to steak and fame, whichever comes first. His best friend is Marty (Rock), a zebra who wonders about a lot of things including whether he is a black horse with white stripes or a white horse with black stripes. Gloria (Pinkett-Smith) is the ghetto hippo, preggy and fab at the same time. And finally, Melman, a giraffe addicted to medication. All’s well and sound until the psycho penguins decided to escape from the zoo, Marty, longing to experience the life in the wild attempted to go to Connecticut via riding a train in Grand Central. It didn’t all went according to plan and they end up in an island called Madagascar where Shaggy’s ancestors reside. I would love to tell you more but I’d end up ruining it all for you so I’d rather stop here.



What a surprise this movie was! During the beginning, I was trying my best not to laugh at their “sitcom” jokes but as it progress I couldn’t hold it no more. I just had to laugh. And what’s even more surprising is that my little sister was laughing her head off as well. She barely understands English, in fact she speaks like Ethel Booba, her English is so small (waheehe), so it definitely caught me off guard. My sister loved it and I did as well.

The story is nothing amazing, what I did love about it is that it didn’t became another Spirit. It was not about self-discovery. And these animals, despite having the abilities to act and speak like humans were not capable of falling in love. I would hate to see another horse love story. It makes me wanna eat Tapsilog. However, it is quite obvious that almost all of these characters were based from the actors themselves or from a role they already played, which is nothing cool or praiseworthy but it worked.



Not a single dull moment in this movie, the director and writers make sure you wouldn’t have the time to think so hard about the story cuz there’s nothing really much to think about. After watching it, it barely left any message to me except to move it, move it and be physically fit (if you watch the movie you’ll know what I’m talking about and you’ll go as gaga as I did).

The animation was very good. The vibrant colors add more to the lively story and movement of events. It was like reading a really dazzling colored book. The music was brilliant as well, what do you expect from Hans Zimmer? And the closing credit is to die for. Don’t dare miss it.



Stiller’s versatility in comedy is his main asset on why every movie he did succeeded. You watch, you get convinced, now you listen to him and the same thing happens. Sometimes it makes me wonder when can he possibly go wrong? I think he’s the most bankable actor today, Cruise comes in close second. At first, I was afraid Chris Rock wouldn’t be as funny as he’s usually been cuz if he was censored in the Oscars here he is bound to be bleeped. And I thought he wouldn’t be able to deliver the same kind of comedy that he does so well, but he did well. That voice alone is something to laugh about.

I like Jada Pinkett-Smith, I don’t think she was awful but, given the chance, I would not have chosen her to play Gloria I think Queen Latifah could have done a better job. I dunno, it just felt like she lacks the attitude to pull it off. Now David Schwimmer is a different story, there was not much effort in his part. He’s used to playing this dorky, weak characters. He did for 10 years and this time it’s nothing different. And in case you’re wondering if Shaggy played the role of the King of Lemurs, no it wasn’t him.



A movie of pure entertainment value and a little substance. Movies are not made to teach lessons, so parents should not depend on flicks to do their role. This movie recognized that, it doesn’t provide your daily dose of good will but it is a rare treat for the whole family. This is the best family movie to come out this year and you’ll be stupid to let this one pass. I’m so glad I didn’t. Just don’t think about it too hard and take it for what it is. So what are you waiting for… go ahead and move it, move it!

Grading Sheet:
Story – 14%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 15%
Acting – 19%
Technical Aspect – 18%
Total: 81% = B+