'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa' review

(Credit: DreamWorks Animation)

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While trying to return to the Central Park Zoo from Madagascar, Alex the dancing lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) and the rest of the "Madagascar" gang crash in Africa. There, Alex reunites with his parents (Bernie Mac, Sherri Shepherd) and tries to prove to dad that he's tough enough to be a "real lion"; Marty attempts to distinguish himself from other zebras; and Melman longs to confess his love for Gloria. Sacha Baron Cohen and Cedric the Entertainer again lend their voices, with new contributions from Alec Baldwin and Will.I.Am.

The buzz: 2005's just-OK "Madagascar" (2005) had its moments, and this follow-up should at least be less irritating than even lower-effort family fare like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." But this sequel sounds like just another impersonal animated movie about unfunny animals learning the same old lessons.

The verdict: Totally, depressingly average, “Africa” is so irrelevant and uninspiring it practically rolls its eyes at itself. Few jokes will connect with viewers of any age, and concocting a villain out of New York's toughest Granny—and having her fistfight Alex—makes it seem like at least one writers' session ran pretty low on ideas. Though often enjoyably animated, "Africa" lacks adventure and is totally clueless about how to entertain, assuming that if an animal dances or sings a fun song—enough with "I Like to Move It Move It"!—then the movie is therefore fun too. No dice.

Did you know? A penguin pilot demonstrates an effective technique: If the emergency light is flashing, just smash the light! Emergency avoided.

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