Review of Penguins of Madagascar (2014) by Ricky M — 05 Apr 2015

"The Penguins of Madagascar".

It might be the adult in me, but for some reason I did not really care for any of the "Madagascar" movies. What was funny in spots were the penguins who served as background comedy.

The people over at Dreamworks must have realized they have another cash cow on their hands if they released a movie with just the non-flying species of fish (or in this case fowl.).

It wouldn't be a movie without an origin story and that is exactly what they do with this entry. We have Rico (voiced by Conrad Vernon), Skipper, (Tom McGrath), Kowaski (Chris Miller) and Private (Christopher Knights).

This troupe must join forces with a faction called the North Wind in order to stop the villainous entity Octavius Brine (voiced with a coy stride by John Malkovich.).

Also amusing is the interaction between the characters of the North Wind and the penguins. One of them has a crush on a flying bird named Eve (voiced by Annet Mahendru). Private has a crush on the dame (rather the bird).

Bringing a stalwart tone and stride is Benedict Cumberbatch as the head of the North Wind known only as Classified.

This entry into the series does what last year's "Despicable Me" did in having brainwashing strategies involving the supporting players. It's the same kind of thing that was done for a small portion in 2012 with Joss Whedon's "The Avengers.".

The flick also does some odd way of name dropping certain celebs. They mention Halle Berry, but do it in an odd goofball way.

"Penguins of Madagascar" does what its supposed to: just show kids fun and giddy time without anything too impressionable for the little tikes. Adults will also enjoy the cute and snide jokes the penguins constantly display, rather voice.

Grade: B-.