What Do The Critics Say?

"The rare sequel that improves on the original, "Madagascar 2" keeps the silliness and steps up the heart." Nell Minow BELIEF NET "The filmmakers really move it, move it to the next level of joyous entertainment." Larry Ratliff SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS "A trip to Madagascar is better the second time around." Charles Koplinski ILLINOIS TIMES "This is a really funny movie." AT THE MOVIES "This is a brighter, more engaging film than the original Madagascar." Roger Ebert CHICAGO SUN-TIMES "This sequel not only outshines its predecessor, it left me looking forward to #3." Rebecca Murray ABOUT.COM " found myself feeling a sense of enjoyment rather than the dread I expected." Danny Minton BEAUMONT JOURNAL "Kids will undoubtedly love it. And thanks to those undercurrents of nihilist hilarity, adults can have fun, too." Robert W. Butler KANSAS CITY STAR

"This crackingly entertaining sequel is great fun, blending beautiful animation with genuinely funny jokes. This is great entertainment." Mark Adams DAILY MIRROR UK "Color me pleasantly surprised by Madagascar 2, a film that is far superior to the original in every way." Sean McBride SEAN THE MOVIE GUY "Happily, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a worthy follow-up that builds on its predecessor's successes and adds to them." Tom Keogh SEATTLE TIMES "Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath’s exhilarating cartoon is a medley of comic humiliations as the sophisticated New Yorkers fail to cut the mustard in the real wild." James Christopher TIMES UK "This could be one of the best family films of the year, I loved it. As always the animation is faultless and the script very amusing." HEART 106.2 "There's a funny subplot in which the mischievous, bossy penguins enforce 'Operation Tourist Trap', but find more than they bargain for with gung-ho Grannie who keeps a sharp eye and active fists on her handbag." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE

The Inside Story In June 2005, “Madagascar” scored big with both Australian and international audiences, racking up $US532,680,671 at the worldwide box office, making it the top family comedy of the year. Once the fancy-footed lion, a quick talking zebra, an anxiety-ridden giraffe and a smart 'n saucy hippo were released into theatres around the globe, these four New York friends: better known as Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria: became the most popular quartet of the season. Writer/director Eric Darnell ("Antz") remembers being relieved by the reception of "Madagascar", but not really that surprised. He says the film "was a success because it had these entertaining and enjoyable characters that people could identify with: they also connected with them on a human level. And despite their flaws, their issues, their anxieties, whatever problems they may be facing, you always empathize with them and want them to come through." Writer/director Tom McGrath recalls, "We just fell in love with the characters that we created along with Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith: and clearly, everyone else did, too. We had this great ensemble cast that we just totally loved. We took on the theme of civility versus savagery and turned that into a friendship story about these zoo animals, when their bonds were tested once they got into the wild. Even at the time we ended the first movie: before it became this huge hit; we were thinking that we could do so much more with these characters." Producer Mireille Soria reasons, "There is something about the design that people love. And I think that’s part of it: they’re very graphic, along with being smart and funny. The first movie was about the importance of friendship and what it means to be a good friend. One of the things that is so great about New York is its diversity, and that is reflected in our group: a lion, a giraffe, a zebra and a hippo who are best friends. And that was something we thought we could explore even further. And we could also celebrate that." It was this desire to continue the exploration of the four zoosters that the "Madagascar" filmmakers and DreamWorks Animation’s Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg took with them onto a jet bound for the European premiere. "Even before the movie became as popular as it was, we wanted to do another movie with the characters. We were on our way to Europe and on that plane, we just started hashing out a story: what if our characters went to Africa, their homeland where they supposedly belong? This was a wonderful way to continue the 'fish out of water' story: four New Yorkers on the plains of Africa," he said. As the new project began to take shape, producer Mark Swift ("Bee Movie") joined the team. "While Mireille was busy finishing "‘Madagascar", I worked on the short with the penguins called "A Christmas Caper". So I guess the penguins brought me into the second film," he recalled. For Darnell ("Gas Planet") and McGrath ("Shrek the Third"), it meant the continuance of a working relationship that had already proved to be a good one. "The reason why Tom and I work so well together, I think, is because we can take each other’s ideas, turn them around and take them to the next level: we bounce them back and forth and come up with something that’s stronger than the sum of the parts," Darnell says. "Because we’re writing partners, it helps us to create a singular vision for the film. And then, in our duties on the film, we try to stay together as much as we can, splitting duties when required." "I mean, there are hundreds and hundreds of people working on this film, and we can’t always be in just one place," Darnell explained. For Western Heritage Award winning producer Mireille Soria ("Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron"), the re-teaming was essential. "As the writers and the directors, they embody "Madagascar". They both bring different sensibilities and we get to take advantage of both of their great talents. We had an opportunity to return to something that we loved and continue it. And we already had a shorthand: a lot of that 'Oh, did I step on your toes?' kind of thing. We'd already been there, done that!" No matter who would be onboard, the filmmakers knew that without a good, workable story, continuing the journey would be rather fruitless. "The story always comes first. And since "Madagascar", everybody loves these characters, so they have to have these characters back. They are like a family. It wouldn’t be quite the same if they weren’t there. So, we needed to focus on a story that was inclusive. And Tom and Eric and Etan Cohen wrote a wonderful script," says Swift. It was precisely the popularity of the characters: not just the zoosters, but also Julien and his cohorts, the penguins, the chimps; that provided one of the biggest challenges. "Because you love all these characters, you want to spend time with all of them, but it’s very hard to juggle independent storylines. And so, that’s always a challenge," McGrath explained. With the filmmaker's desire to take the "Madagascar" characters deeper, with storylines that were still comedic, but now tinged with a little more emotional depth, would this appeal to the actors who helped to create such memorable personalities in the first place? All the actors were pitched the story, and all were sold on the idea—the spark was there, and so was the returning cast."We just give these guys a chance to do what they do best: to just become these characters and let stuff come out. We just get incredible, hilarious, and sometimes touching, stuff. You know, it’s the best seat in town," says Darnell. "There’s no place you’d rather be than on the other side of the glass during a recording session. It’s better than any theatre or playhouse." For everyones favourite lion, Alex, filmmakers wanted to take the journey from Madagascar to Africa closer to home. "Let’s just say that Alex isn’t at his best when he’s thrown by something," 2001 American Comedy Award winner Ben Stiller ("Meet The Parents") explained. "Even though he’s been through the sort of 'Jungle 101' in Madagascar, the stakes are so much higher in Africa, and the world is so much bigger." For Marty the zebra, his journey isn’t about exploring differences so much as similarities. Back home, Marty always dreamed of being in the wild, roaming with his kind. Now, he has that chance: boy, does he have that chance. "There are people in this world who always think that there’s something bigger and better than what they got. Not that Marty doesn’t appreciate his friends and all that, but he has it in his head that running with his kind is the ultimate," says three time EMMY award winner Chris Rock. "I mean, it stands to reason: he’s a rockin’ guy, so why wouldn’t the party be even better if he was surrounded by a lot of other cool dudes who share his interests?" On the surface, that logic holds true. The old adage of the more, the merrier. But psychologists will tell you that it is the differences that enrich the group as a whole. Most of the time, Melman the Giraffe, probably wishes he were less himself. Away from his regime (and his medication) in the Central Park Zoo, Melman matured a bit in the homeopathic world of Madagascar: well, maybe became just a little less neurotic. But there are still issues for him to face, namely his affection for Gloria: along with his health, of course. "There are some pretty dramatic things that happen to Melman this time around. When he’s sure that the plane they’re on is going to crash, he finally confesses his love for Gloria, who’s sound asleep, unfortunately. Then, all of his self-taught medical knowledge earns him the place of witch doctor to all the other giraffes. And when he thinks his life is over yet again, he volunteers to sacrifice himself to save Gloria and his friends. I mean, that’s a lot for one movie," says 2002 Golden Satellite Award winner David Schwimmer (TV'S "Band Of Brothers"). "I’m still amazed at how the actors are edited to make it seem like we’re all in the scene together. Since we don’t record together, it’s a challenge not to be able to improv off of another actor, so my strategy is to give the directors as much as possible." Gloria the hippo has no issues with her self-image. She is well aware of who she is, thank you very much. She is self-confident, sassy and sweet. When she encounters a bloat of hippos at the watering hole, she welcomes them as they do her: and some really welcome her, in particular the heartthrob hippo, Moto Moto. 2004 Interactive Achievement Award winner Jada Pinkett Smith ("Enter the Matrix" Video Game) was enthusiastic to return to the characters of "Madagascar" noting it was, "the first movie of mine my kids could actually watch. Well, I think it’s always important for women to see various images of themselves and understand that it’s all about what you project from the inside out. Gloria has so much confidence and really just loves who she is. I would hope the film sends a message to young girls that it’s about how you perceive yourself that’s really important. In this movie, I get to have fun, and also maybe send a little message." Having been to Africa, Pinkett Smith ("Reign Over Me" "Collateral" & "Ali") revealed she is awestruck by the country. "Africa is a very hard place to describe. It’s almost more of a feeling that it gives you versus any observation of it. I mean, it’s magnificently beautiful: I actually went on a safari." "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa" not only takes audiences into the wild, but also back in time when the four lead characters were just little tackers. Alex the little lion cub is voiced by Stillers son, Quinlan. "Ben Stiller didn’t have any kids when we started the first movie, and now he has two (Ella Olivia & Quin Dempsey). So his wife Christine Taylor brought Quinn in and put him in the studio. Quinn was perfect," says McGrath. Jada’s daughter Willow ("I Am Legend"), was also the perfect voice for the baby Gloria. Hitching a ride with Air Penguin is King Julien, a great character, because of the attitude and the off-kilter point of view that he brings. And who else could do Julien but Sacha Baron Cohen ("Ali G Indahouse")? Julien is joined by his right hand man and cousin, Maurice, voiced by 2004 BET Comedy Award winner Cedric The Entertainer who played Sin LaSalle in "Be Cool" and Eddie in "Barbershop" 1 & 2. And what would Air Penguin be without penguins? The military quartet emerged from "Madagascar" with a solid fan base, resulting in a short film and an upcoming animated series. Not bad for flightless birds who, in the previous film, longed for Antarctica, only to find the cold not to their liking. Synopsis

Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien, Maurice, the penguins and the chimps find themselves marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar. In the face of this obstacle, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it just might work. With military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane: well, sort of. After a huge sendoff, it is time to take-off and head back home. Once the first flight of Air Penguin is aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all, the vast plains of Africa, where the members of our New York City zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time. Africa seems like a great place: but is it better than their Central Park home? The new country is not as friendly as Madagascar, and unlike New York, here everyone must fend for themselves. Even the tourists can be very hard to handle.

The Verdict "In many ways "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa" outdoes the original. It's more wild! It's More colorful! There's more storytelling! There's more laughs! And, just as they did in "Madagascar", Alex, Marty, Mellman and Gloria are in for a big surprise. Into the mix comes a flashback which reveals the story of how Alex the Lion found his way to New York Zoo. Parents of little ankle-biters should note that the a scene featuring Alex as a lion cub may distress some little ones in the audience. A little assurance from parents will provide the answer to ensuring they enjoy the rest of the film. Also returning for the second edition is Nana (voiced by Elisa Gabrielli) who many will remember had a run-in with Alex in the original. The character has her role expanded for the sequel with excellent result. Nana features in some very funny segments. As before, the animation is crisp and very colorful. And yes, those mischevous penguins are back again, this time using their skills to reconstruct and pilot Air Penguin to a new destination. Adults and children of all ages should find "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa" good fun. Highly recommended. 4 STARS." Crew Bytes "MADAGASCAR ESCAPE 2 AFRICA" was .......
directed by Eric Darnell ["Madagascar"] and Tom McGrath ["Madagascar"]; written by 2005 Annie Award winner Etan Cohen ["Idiocracy", "My Wife Is Retarded" and "Tropic Thunder"]; edited by Mark A Hester ["The Little Mermaid", "Home On The Range" and "Chicken Little"]; original music by 1994 Academy ® Award winner Hans Zimmer ["The Lion King", "As Good as It Gets" and "Gladiator"]. Who's Voice Is That?

Ben Stiller Chris Rock David Schwimmer Jada Pinkett Smith Sacha Baron Cohen Cedric the Entertainer Fred Tatasciore Andy Richter Bernie Mac Alec Baldwin Sherri Shepherd Will I Am Elisa Gabrielli Michele Specht Tom McGrath David Soren Chris Miller Christopher Knights Conrad Vernon Quinn Stiller Eric Darnell Willow Smith Thomas Stanley Zachary Gordon Phil LaMarr Edie Mirman Stacy Ferguson Harland Williams Danny Jacobs Bridget Hoffman Terrence Hardy Jr Conner Rayburn Holly Dorff David Smith Lynnanne Zager Jackie Gonneau Kathryn Feller

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Alex Marty/Additional Zebras Melman Gloria Julien Maurice Teetsi/Poacher #1/Elephant Mort Zuba Makunga Mom Moto Moto Nana Nurse Sandy Skipper/Lemur #1 Lemur #2 Kowalski Private Mason Baby Alex Joe the Witch Doctor/Poacher #2 Baby Gloria Baby Marty Baby Melman Guide Telephone Recording Hippo Girlfriend Giraffe Tourist with New York T-Shirt Female Tourist Lion Cub Little Giraffe Fish Bobby the Dik Dik Lioness Dik Dik Ostritch #1

Run Time 85 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2008 - Paramount Pictures - All Rights Reserved ©2008 All Rights Reserved - The Movie Pages & Impact Internet Services - Protected by Australian & International Copyright & Trademark Laws.