OK for kids 6+
Entertaining "threequel" has some mild violence, innuendo.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, like its two predecessors, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is appropriate for virtually the whole family. There's little questionable material here, although some parents may notice a couple of innuendos, some threats and dart-gun attacks, and one almost-curse word ("Bolshevik" is made to sound like "bull---t"). On the plus side, kids might learn a thing or two about the circus and European destinations like Paris, Rome, and Monte Carlo. As always, Madagascar 3 boils down to the central relationship between the four main zoo animals, and, like the others, the third movie makes sure kids know how important it is to have unconditional friends.
- Families can talk about how the two sets of animals help each other. What do the circus animals teach the Central Park Zoo pals about freedom? How do Alex and his friends make the circus better?
- How does this installment of the franchise compare to the other two? Which one is your favorite?
- How have the animals' adventures changed them? Why is the Central Park Zoo no longer the right home for the friends?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids might pick up on some circus terminology, as well as well as familiarize themselves with the movie's locales in France, Monaco, and Rome. They'll also discover that Russians like borscht (although technically it's a Ukrainian dish) and that people go to Monte Carlo to gamble.
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Messages: Several lessons about loyalty, friendship, what it means to be free, and not allowing past mistakes to get in the way of being bold and trying again.
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Role models: All of the animals (except for perhaps those pesky penguins) are positive role models, even with their (usually comic) flaws. They're incredibly dedicated to each other and overcome countless challenges to stay together.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Mostly physical comedy and sight gags with the animals -- particularly King Julien and Sonya. The brawling dogs threaten people. The nefarious Captain Du Bois (who's bent on killing Alex as a trophy) isn't afraid of using her trusted dart gun or single-handedly putting three officers in the hospital. Several characters are hit with the dart tranquilizers, and eventually Captain Du Bois gets her comeuppance.
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Sexy stuff: King Julien falls in love with a bear whom he calls his "big hairy beast" and compliments on her fur. They're shown snuggling together, and there are a couple of innuendo-laden jokes that will go over kids' head. Gloria and Melman are together and hug a couple of times, and Alex and Gia flirt and eventually embrace.
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Language: Nothing inappropriate, but in one scene Vitaly says that's "BULLshevik" in a way that obviously mirrors how you'd say "bulls--t."
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Consumerism: In the movie, a Ducati motorcycle receives a good bit of screen time. Off-screen, there are countless product/licensing tie-ins, from toys to video games to social media efforts.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Great Family Entertainer by arjunarora2001
I just saw this movie with my friend's family and I thought it was HILARIOUS!!!!! It had so many crazy and funny scenes that I almost choked on my popcorn!!! It was drama, comedy, thrills, etc. My final opinion is that it is a great movie to see with your whole family. Trust me the afro circus will blow your heads off with laughter!
5
Madagascar 3 by heyvet1
OMG!!!!! I laugh SO much, that my grand daughter had to say,"Grandma, you are TOO loud". How cute is that, but I was not the only one. It's a MUST SEE!!!! Thanks, Dream works.
5
Madagascar 3- an awesome circus by drdmatthews
Hi, You have to see Madagascar 3: Europe's most wanted because it is awesome. Let me tell you a little bit about it. It was funny, but some parts of it were sad. They have to get back home to NY, and they will find a circus that is going to NY as well, but animal control is after Alex and wants to cut off his head to put on the wall! - review by 9 year old boy
" I give it a ten and want to see it again!"
5
Funny and fun by DMyers7
So incredibly funny and fun at the same time. The circus may have been so over the top and out of the norm, bu that is what a circus is meant to be; WOW! Great story too. In the end my 3 yr old and my 7 yr old along with us parents enjoyed it emensly.
5
Amazingly funny by miracle77
Loved every minute of it. We went to a late showing and I was surprised to see so many little kids in a midnight movie. But the movie was very entertaining. It had a great central theme of believing in yourself. I would go see it again.
5
Madagascar 3 by matukas
This was a great movie for kids and even adults. It moves along at a good pace and the graphic, animation, etc are fabulous!! The story line is very well done. Well worth the money to see!
5
Madagascar 3 A triumph!! by rswf
Saw it with my 3 grandsons. It was the best Madagascar yet!! The grandkids also agree to that. Great day with them and it was for my birthday!!! The animation was fantastic as well as the acting and directing. Adults will also love this movie. Don't miss it and have a great day with the kids!!
5
Madagasgar 3: Europe's Most Wanted by rokimo95
By far the best of the bunch! Even my 67 year old mother was loving it! If you've seen the others, you must see this! Great lesson and heartwarming!
5
Don't Miss Madagascar 3 by dseif79
I usually skip a review, but for the kids this movie just has it. #2 was a disappointment, but 3 has it moving moving moving. Very well done my niece and i laughed so much. She is 7. so the kids will love it. The movie rocks. Don't miss it.
5
Madagascar 3 by sheresefrancis
I couldn't wait to see this movie and I was not disappointed!!! My 1 year old daughter, Reine, was jumping up and down in her seat!!! And to sum it all up, in the words of my 4 year old son, Keane, "AWESOME"!!!