The International Writers Magazine: Review

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Madagascar Directed by Eric Darnell/ Tom McGrath Ben Stiller              - Alex the Lion Chris Rock             -  Zebra David Schwimmer -  Giraffe Jade Pinket Smith  -  Hippo • A Danielle Ward Review

The eagerly awaited Madagascar opened July 15th in the UK. It has high expectations to live up to as its creators also brought us Shrek and Sharks Tale.

Ben Stiller voices Alex the Lion, London zoos main attraction. His best friend is Zebra, voiced by Chris Rock. While they are pampered on a daily basis Zebra is restless to see the rest of the world. Giraffe, voiced by David Schwimmer and Hippo, voiced by Jade Pinket Smith are also residents at the zoo. They accompany Alex as he searches for Zebra when he finally leaves one night. Captured at Central Station the four friends find themselves on a ship for Africa. After the plotting Penguins take over the ship the wild animals find themselves shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar. Cue lots of mayhem and confusion from both the New York animals and the creatures of the island.

This is a magical film that is a refreshing change from the likes of Shrek, which has been around for too long! The colours and details in the scenes provide as much entertainment as the story and the characters do. There are subtle and comic references to other films dotted around. The magic of this film is created by the background characters, which start their own quirky things to capture your attention away from the main action. Not a single audience member will come away having not laughed – there are some great jokes. I think that everyone will come away wishing it was longer –
we certainly did!
The plotting penguins
 
© Danielle Ward July 18th 2005

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