DVD Reviews

Madagascar

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Ben Stiller
• Details: US, 86 mins, U.

Another amicable outing from DreamWorks, Madagascar is set in New York's Central Zoo where Ben Stiller is hyperactive lion, Alex, and Chris Rock is his best pal Marty the zebra. None of the animals has known their natural habitats but this doesn't stop Marty using his birthday wish for this very end. Inspired by some psychotic penguins, Marty sets in motion a series of events which sees the pair, accompanied by Melman the hypochondriac giraffe and Gloria the grounded Hippo, stranded on an island in the middle of the sea. However, without the people to serve Alex steak, his natural instincts start to kick in. While there are quite a few laughs for the grown ups and multiple film references, Madagascar is mostly for the kids. Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett are quite charmless and the extremely crude 'we are New Yorkers' post Sept 11th message leaves a lot to be desired. Particularly when you remember the main characters have landed on someone else's island.


Extras: Mishaps, Cast Interviews, Behind the Scenes.

Ei Extra: Madagascar 2 has just been announced and is set to make an appearance in 2008.

Review by Elaine Reilly