Voices of: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bernie Mac, Alec Baldwin, Cedric the Entertainer, Sacha Baron Cohen

Rating: 4/5

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa ingeniously knits parts of the initial film, to provide this new one with a background. The great part about Escape 2 Africa is the fact that even as a stand alone film; it works just as equally well as it is a sequel.

The adorable Alex, the lion, returns back home to Africa in this flick, only to be ousted from his pride. Picking off from where it left off in the earlier film, Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria manage to leave the island where they were stranded, on a flight driven by the penguins. Soon enough, their flight crash lands in an African wildlife Reserve. As luck would have it Alex is reunited with family, Marty finds his herd of Zebras, Melman his bunch and Gloria a boyfriend in Moto Moto. But the good life lasts only long enough till humans encroach on their territory and the water supply to their lake is all dried up. A classic tale of humans versus animals, the film also explores relationships, pride and above all friendship.

Honestly speaking, this flick is a great improvement and takes off from the initial one. Backed by a strong plot, some great new characters and background to key characters like Alex and Marty, the film stands on a solid ground. On the other hand the film though extremely funny, seems like a toned down version in comparison to the first one. Yes there are tons of situations where you burst out laughing, but a more solid plot takes over this flick and the humour is induced in the various situations rather than at every point in the film.

Moreover this flick, gives a good amount of time exploring the lives of other characters as well. For example the film delves into the love life of Melman and Gloria, it explores Marty’s emotions as well all of which add more depth and volume to this flick. In essence this movie is more complete and more entertaining; the film almost gives a human quality to the characters that is thoroughly enjoyable.

Even technically the film is superior. With new tracks including I like to move it move it give the movie a musical zing. The editing is superior as is the rendered animation. Had it not been for the well placed scenes and the superior editing the film would have actually turned confusing, especially due to the many sub plots being explored in this film. The manner in which this film is handled is advanced.
 
The actors do a fine job at providing and adding life to the animated characters. Except Scwhimmer’s, whose voice comes across as being inconsistent, all the others do a great job. The point is that Scwimmer who has been heard dime a dozen times in his friends’ series, ends up sounding the same so much so that the manner in which he modulates his voice is also heard before.

This film is one of those that kids and adults are bound to love. You cannot afford to miss this film.