Mad for Madagascar

For those who only saw the preview of "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" and thought it was just going to be another children's movie, think again. In reality, the previews did not do the movie justice as the film's many humorous moments are surprisingly quite the opposite of the typical juvenile comedy.

The story begins with the same group of animals from the first two movies, Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) and the rest of the gang, stranded in Africa hoping for a way out. The plot of the story starts off pretty frail: a bunch of wild, talking animals eager to get from Africa to New York City similar to the premise in the first "Madagascar." But the dull animals-trying-to-get-home plot takes a turn for the better when the crazy, French animal control lady, Captain Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand), hunts the friendly animals on a world-wide chase. It seems like an unlikely story, but, realistically speaking, it is an animated movie. So really, how life-like can it get?

For all the parents dreading to take their children to another dumb kid's movie, have no fear. "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" has a well-balanced mixture of jokes, some edging on the side of crude so that both kids who would not understand them and their parents can enjoy the movie. In addition, the movie's well-known cast comprised of many comedians, such as Chris Rock or Sacha Baron Cohen, creates a more enjoyably mature movie without being too inappropriate for the children.

3D effects in most movies are sadly used as a gimmicky ploy to rake in more money, and usually it is only the text in the title screen and ending credits that seem to be popping out. Surprisingly, the 3D in "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" is used differently and makes the movie's visual aspects spectacular to look at. When Alex, the lion, jumps out at the audience to roar, one could see every hair follicle coming together to create his mane. Characters who are talking on the screen appear as if they were in the theater chatting with the audience. While characters throw possessions through the air in the movie, before they reach their destination they approach the audience first.

In addition, the movie's stellar soundtrack really ties the movie together. Well-known songs such as "Firework" by Katy Perry, "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls and of course "I Like To Move It" by Crazy Frog help make this a joyful – almost sing-along-worthy – movie.

"Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," well-rounded in its assortment of humor, amazing visual features and great music, is a must-see for the whole family. Go out and see it in 3D on the big screen before it is too late.

"Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (94 minutes) is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. Now playing in theaters everywhere and also available in 3D.