Review of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012) by Brian M — 04 Jan 2014

Lots of fun to watch. It is loud, silly, and colorful. It is just no-holds-barred zany and it doesn't give a rat's behind about anything resembling logic (i.e., how four animals get from Africa to Monte Carlo via snorkeling). And I've always wondered: do the humans understand what the animals are saying? I don't think it's ever been made quite crystal-clear.

I think I agree with others' assessments that there are A LOT of characters this time around and the movie seems to have a hard time balancing all these personalities. As far as screen time for the original characters, Alex and Marty get the most attention. The penguins come in a close second. Melman and Gloria are barely there half the time. (And is it just me, or does Gloria's behind look more like an actual butt now?) Mort and Maurice pretty much disappear towards the middle of the film only to return in the knick of time at the end. Most of these characters' time is given up to Julien having a hilariously twisted inter-species relationship with a bear and the other new characters from the circus, who are all absolutely delightful and charming, might I add.

My biggest complaint here is that the main antagonist, DuBois, is super-annoying. That aside, the movie is very fast paced. It's never boring. It's entertaining, funny, goofy, and a little violent. Definitely an endearing animated movie. Also, perfect use of Katy Perry's "Firework" song.