Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is the second movie in the Madagascar franchise, a family-film series that details the adventures of a group of zoo animals who wind up on the African island of Madagascar. Like the first film, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa tells an uplifting story with good messages while delivering a healthy dose of both action and comedy.
The original voice cast returns, including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and more. Other big-name actors and actresses lend their voices for new characters as well, including Alec Baldwin and Bernie Mac. In many ways, the sequel is a busier and more hectic movie. That said, does it still produce the same great family entertainment that the original movie is known for? Let’s find out if this African safari is worth your time.
How to Stream or Download Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
You can stream it or you can download the movie from Google Play or from iTunes. Click on the Download button located below this review.
The Film Review
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa picks up right where the first film left off. Our lovable cast of zoo animals are stranded on the African island of Madagascar, searching for a way to get back to New York City. With the help from the always-hilarious penguins and the wacky group of lemurs, Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and a handful of other characters prepare for a plane-trip home.
Unfortunately, their flight is cut short, causing them to crash land on the main continent of Africa. Arriving in an animal reserve, the group are in awe at the beauty and abundance of other animals.
The Themes
Like the first film, Escape 2 Africa deals with the themes of family, friendship, and the true meaning of home. The plot itself is more scattered than the first movie, consisting of a handful of sub-plots as each animal struggles with their own insecurities. Alex feels intimidated and weak in comparison to the more ferocious wild lions, while Marty struggles with his identity when he realizes he is exactly the same as other zebras.
Melman continues to struggle with his need for medical attention, while Gloria attempts to secure a mate and find a romantic connection. These sub-plots all eventually connect, intertwining with the overall objective of returning home.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – the Story
Although the storytelling is slightly weaker than the first movie, the film remains enjoyable thanks to fun action scenes and charming comedy. Some of the funniest characters in the original flick (like the penguin and monkey characters) get more screen time, and there are a handful of exciting sequences of perilous adventure.
It expands on the lore of the franchise as well, giving us insights on some of the characters’ origin stories. The animation and visuals are also just as vibrant and impressive as the first movie, making Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa an aesthetically pleasing watch as well.
Overall, this is a satisfying sequel that keeps the franchise alive. The story can be a bit scattered at times with a few too many ideas, but it’s still an enjoyable narrative with good themes and messages. The voice performances continue to be enjoyable and well-delivered, and the new characters are just as memorable and funny as the familiar ones.
The Verdict
Colorful visuals and exciting action keeps the experience refreshing, providing a fun and chipper family-film viewing. If you enjoyed the first Madagascar movie, you’ll definitely get a kick out of Escape 2 Africa.
