OK for kids 6+
Fun sequel has some romance, peril, adult humor.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sequel to the popular animated movie Madagascar will likely please all ages. But there are some mild sexual allusions (Gloria the hippo flirts with a brawny male hippo who likes her figure and isn't shy about saying so) and cartoonish violence (sequences include a plane crash, a handbag-packing grandma, and hunters wielding guns). There's also come crude/potty humor to watch out for, and an upsetting scene early on in which a young Alex is separated from his father against his will.
- Families can talk about the film's portrayals of friendships and how friends can deal with their companions' different personalities.
- Families can also discuss the film's use of clichés and stereotypes as jokes.
- Also, ask kids what they think about Alex's dilemma, especially when he realizes he's not like the other lions who grew up with a pride. What do you think of how he handles the situation?
- And what of Melman and Gloria and Marty's plight after finding themselves in the savannah? How does their adventure tear them apart and -- more importantly -- bring them together?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Not an issue
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Messages: Lessons in being loyal to your friends dominate the plot. There's some crude/potty humor along the way (spitting, nose picking, etc.).
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Role models: Four friends drift apart after crash landing in Africa and must face -- and accept -- their own weaknesses. There are some challenging moments, as when Alex can't tell the difference between Marty and other zebras, but in the end, the characters do seem to find peace within themselves and in turn be better friends to others.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A few scenes may be a little disturbing for younger kids. There's a jarring plane crash that puts characters in peril, but no one is seriously hurt. An old lady gets into a physical fight with a lion, and the lion has no compunctions about hitting her back (both take some hard hits but come out OK). The same woman fights with other lions later. Guns are trained on animals, and there's a power struggle between two leaders on the savannah. A lion rite of passage involves a fight for dominance. Animals, including a main character, are shown in what are called "dying holes" when they are sick. One main character almost ends up in a volcanoful of hot lava (and another minor one eventually takes the plunge). A young Alex is separated from his father against his will in a scene that could be upsetting for some kids.
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Sexy stuff: A hippo flirts strongly with another hippo, who tells her several times how much he likes her body. Some additional mild romance.
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Language: "Stupid" and "butt" are as salty as it gets.
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Consumerism: Mentions of an iPod and the New York Zoo, as well as references to being famous and catering to one's audience. And, of course, the movie itself is tied into a lot of merchandise and other marketing initiatives.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Madagascar Escape 2 Africa by conradwsba1
This was a very good movie. I liked Motto Motto the best as a character.You should see it.
4
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa by hido53
Saw the movie on Veteran's day with my two boys. We all enjoyed it. I had one, from the gut, out-loud guffaw when the escape vehicle was launched. Still chuckle when I visualize the scene! Plenty of laughs provided for children and adults from all the visual and slapstick comedy, and extra laughs for the older crowd supplied with double entendres, satirical takes on other movies, etc. Good entertainment. Voices matched the characters very well.
5
Better than the original! by finman
We took our 4 year old to see Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. She had a great time, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We laughed out many several times. It was much better than the first Madagascar.
5
awesome by Natasha_v
It was great, we loved it. It was so funny, we have not laughed that much at the movie for a long time. Definitely go. Penguin characters are something new. Lots of fun.
5
better then the first by TeenageMovieCritic
THis is even better then the first. It made me laugh throughout the movie and it had my nieces cracking up afterwards as well. The whole movie makes you laugh. And each character has become funnier its a must go. And if you kids you must go its hilarious. It continues from the last movie but has a new twist to it go and i watch it i recommend it!
5
funny funny funny! i loved it by movie_goer315
the penguins were hilarious. i saw this with my girlfriend and we both loved it. great movie for kids but its certainly not a kiddie movie only! its one for everyone! kids, teens, and adults. luv ben stiller and chris rock and david schwimmers melmen the giraffe was pretty good too. wish the movie was longer though but its an animated movie thats how they are. short and sweet
5
Great Time, fun movie, kids love it, much better than #1 by gf.buyer
I took my two kids, 7 y/o boy, 4 y/o girl. We all really enjoyed the movie. The quality of the animation is excellent, the voices really do a great job, lots of good characters (I love the penguins), plenty of adult humor built in. The kids loved it, several laugh out loud moments for me, and a lot of shared laughs with the kids.
5
Madagascar 2 by corningcarpet
Very funny movie for kids and adults. Even the teenagers behind us were laughing the whole movie.
5
PENGUINS RULE! by Pelican
Took my kids (ages 9 and 7) this afternoon, and we really enjoyed ourselves. The penguins are hilarious, and the backstory behind Alex the Lion's arrival in NYC actually choked me up (but then again, I'm a sap...) Anyway, the movie is peppered with lines that have some subtle adult humor, but nothing too crass or inappropriate. And, not to spoil the surprise, but those of us who grew up in the 70s will recognize some odd but fantastic soundtrack choices. Go, Go, GO!!!
4
BETTER THAN THE FIRST by SigniSigmar
I did not like the first movie and was dreading going to this one. I only went because we were seeing it at the drive-in last night and that is so fun with the lawn chairs and the children huddled in the back of the van. Back on track... it was better than the first. Very funny! I loved it. There were some subtle hints of the lion being gay and the father coming to terms with it, but not obvious. Most people would not have picked up on this as it is a kid flick. Definitely go see.