Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

Our favorite zoo animals from New York City have figured out a way to return home. The penguins have managed to fix the airplane that was lying in ruins on the jungle floor, and with King Julian’s blessing (and company … it’s his plane! He has to come along!) it’s New York or bust. Well, it’s bust. The plane falls apart over Africa and the animals make a crash landing.

However, it turns out to be their lucky day. They discover hundreds of other animals just like themselves and realize this is where they belong. And best of all, Alex is reunited with his mother and father, after years of separation. He was taken by hunters as a baby and ended up at the zoo.

But there’s a fly in their happiness ointment. Alex’s father is the alpha lion of their pride, and another lion wants to take his place. Alex is put to the test defending his father’s honor, and he fails. It turns out that New York showmanship means nothing on the African savannah.

Meanwhile, Melman’s dreams come true as he is made the witch doctor over the herd of giraffe and can dispense his medical wisdom. But this can’t bring him true happiness—the only thing that will soothe his achy breaky heart is telling Gloria how he feels, how he has always felt, about her.

Marty experiences an identity crisis as he realizes that every zebra in his new herd looks exactly like him, and Gloria wonders whatever happened to love when faced with a truly buff specimen of hippohood who wants her hand in marriage, but only seems to love her for her girth.

Throughout it all, we are treated to the somewhat insane ramblings of King Julian, the machinations of the penguins, and some laugh-your-head-off moments the whole family will enjoy.

There are a few moments you’ll want to take with a grain of salt … including the ninja knockdown between Alex and the ornery little old lady. Personally, I don’t believe in beating up the elderly, but she gave as good as she got, so I guess in Cartoon Land, it all works. And who knew a romance between two hippos could be so spicy!

This film was rated PG.

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