Madagascar 3:Europe’s Most Wanted – Perfect for Your Younger Grandkids

By Ranny Levy, Founder and President of Kids First!

The first Madagascar movie hit the screens in 2005, racked up a number of awards wins and nominations and spawned two sequels and a TV series in seven short years. The latest from DreamWorks is Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, with the voices now indelibly associated with the main characters: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Cedric the Entertainer.

If you are trying to decide whether or not to take your grandkids, take a look at the many reasons our KIDS FIRST! youth film critics share about this film which is playing in theaters now. Brianna Beaton (age 12) notes, “There are several great messages in this film, one being that if you have a strong passion for something, fight for it and do it no matter what.” Cheyenne Nguyen (age 8) recommends it “for kids ages 4 to 99.” Julianna Noone (age 12) says, “The animation is fantastic in this film, and … the 3-D in this movie is exceptional.” And the word from Anthony Aranda (age 9) is “I really hope they make another Madagascar.” Below are reviews from two of the youth critics and links to catch all of them on video.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

Reviewed by Cheyenne Nguyen

Video review at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ6nuOSOsMY

Madagascar3: Europe’s Most Wanted is funny, has great music and is an out-of-this-world 3-D feature.

This is the second sequel to the animated movie Madagascar. Alex the lion (voice by Ben Stiller), the zebra Marty (by Chris Rock), the hippo Gloria (by Jada Pinkett Smith), the giraffe Melman (by David Schwimmer) — these four main characters want to go home to their New York City Zoo. Where ever they go, trouble follows.

Going through a lot of trouble to get the penguins to help them to go home, Alex, the lion, becomes the most wanted creature in Europe. The four main characters join the circus to take them home to America. They make new circus friends: The jaguar Gia (voiced by Jessica Chastain), the sea lion Stefano (by Martin Short) and the Siberian tiger Vitaly (by Bryan Cranston).

The music is epic. It ranges from classic rock to hip hop to pop. You will leave the movie singing the theme song. The costumes are so colorful and very pretty. The 3-D brings everything so close to you that you want to move away in case it hits you. The laser lights are awesome. The cast is perfectly matched with the characters. The only bad part is the stereotyping — it makes fun of Europeans and Texans.

The lessons are there’s no place like home, friendships and joint efforts.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for kids ages 4 to 99. I saw a lot of adults laughing hard.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

Reviewed by Brianna Beaton

Video review at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o2a5bjp0dE

Madagascar3: Europe’s Most Wanted is very hilarious, entertaining and lots of fun to watch. I love the 3-D animation, humor and songs Madagascar 3 has. The song clips and the graphics during the circus performance are outstanding. The film has a great story plot, is easy to follow and will definitely keep your attention.

Madagascar3 is about four friends who are still trying to return to their Zoo in the Big Apple, New York City. They go thru Monte Carlo and attract the attention of Animal Control. While in Europe they hop on a train with some traveling circus animals to get back to their home once again. They go on a wild adventure trying to run from Animal Control and get back to the good ol’ US of A.

One of my favorite parts is when the friends make a sand version of their beloved New York. It’s such a great reproduction that it makes them homesick, which is the reason they all try to get back home in the first place. Another favorite part is when they are singing “Afro Circus.” It will have you singing right along with them. The film has lots of funny parts and will leave you feeling really good.

Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon share in directing this hilarious film, and have done an outstanding job! It stars the voices of some great talent: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith and many more. DreamWorks Animation has done another great job with producing this film.

There are several great messages in this film, one being that if you have a strong passion for something, fight for it and do it no matter what. Also, go get what you want in life, don’t just wait for someone to give it to you. You can do it. To expect different results, sometimes you have to do something different.

I recommend it for ages 5 to 15 —and give it an overwhelming 5 out of 5 stars because it is funny, it has catchy music, and the messages it has are really great and you can learn a lot from them.

Madagascar 3 – Europe’s Most Wanted

Reviewed by Julianna Noone

Video review at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II7hz5wMrHU