A Timeless Animated Classic: Why 'Madagascar 2' Remains a Favourite

Why My Kid's the King of New York City Remains My Top Pick

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm still reminiscing about the animated movies of my childhood, and 'Madagascar 2' is one that continues to delight. Released in 2008, this DreamWorks Animation film is a masterclass in storytelling, with a perfect blend of comedy, adventure, and family-friendly fun. The movie follows the misadventures of Alex the lion and his friends as they navigate the wilds of Africa, and it's a joy to watch. One of the standout aspects of 'Madagascar 2' is its ability to balance lighthearted humour with more serious themes, making it a great choice for families to enjoy together. The animation is nice, and by today's standards, it holds up pretty well. I wouldn't deduct any points. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with each one bringing their unique personality to the table. The storyline is engaging and easy to follow, making it perfect for all ages. The movie does a great job of balancing humour and heart, making it a great choice for families. The soundtrack is catchy and memorable, with several songs that will stick in your head. The movie explores some heavy themes, such as the importance of communication and being true to oneself. Watching it as a kid was definitely more fun, but now that I'm older, I can appreciate it for what it is. In my opinion, this is the best part of the Madagascar series. The sequel wasn't necessary, and I'm glad the gang stayed in Africa, where they found their true calling.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Hikaye8/10

Müzik9/10

I'm still writing reviews on the animated movies of my childhood, and one that came to mind was 'Madagascar 2'. I was surprised to see so few reviews on the Apple TV for it, so I'm rectifying that and sharing my thoughts on the movie. I remember playing the video games too - both the first and second parts were at my disposal, and the second one was way bigger and longer, I really loved it.

Release Date: 2008

Country: USA

Studio: DreamWorks Animation

Duration: 89 minutes

Genres: Comedy, Adventure, Family

About the Story

The movie starts with little Alex (who was called Alakay back then) spending time on his homeland in Africa. His dad, the pride leader Moto (not Zuba in this part), is trying to teach Alakay how to fight like a lion. But Alakay's got no interest in fighting - he'd rather dance, make funny faces, and play with butterflies. King Julien (the main antagonist in the movie) challenges Moto, and while he's distracted, Alakay gets caught by poachers.

Alakay

They're shipping the lion in a box, but the box falls, and that's how Alex gets to New York, where he quickly becomes the zoo's new favorite and a real star!

I loved that they showed the familiar animals: Marty, Gloria, and Melman, and their little versions, that is. It was nice to see a brief backstory for Alex.

Still, it's a sequel, so you have to remember that the animals ended up on Madagascar in the first part. They're planning to head back to New York on a plane, which is being piloted by the same team of penguins from the first part, and along for the ride is King Julian. I'm not sure why, but I used to love this self-absorbed character as a kid.

JulianI loved seeing the characters' individual storylines unfold. Melman's reaction to Gloria's plan to join a breeding program and settle down was priceless.

But the real fun starts after the plane crash. While the penguins are busy repairing the ship, our four heroes embark on a new adventure in Africa.

The scenery is stunningEach character has their own mini-plot.

Alex meets his parents and gets a taste of local life. They thought he was killed by poachers and are overjoyed to see him. His dad is proud of Alex, now that he knows he's the king of New York (he had no idea it was a lion pride with similar rules).

Melman becomes a local doc and uses his modern medical knowledge to help the wild animals, like the giraffes. He's debunking myths left and right and making a real difference in their lives.

Marty finds his tribe with the zebras and they're all about the same interests and vibes. He's totally at home with them.

Gloria catches the eye of a local macho dude named Moto-moto. And let's just say his song about loving the "big ones" is pretty memorable.

Check out Moto-moto's got his eyes on youAnd it seems like everyone's living their best life in the wild, but if it were that easy, there wouldn't be any drama, right?

What really stood out to me was the storyline of Alex. Turns out, he's been deceived by Macunga, and there's this whole issue of misunderstanding without it feeling like a rehashed 'Dad wants me to be king, but I don't want to be' trope. It's just Alex, grown up in a bubble, who didn't even know that authority is built on battles and strength, not charisma like it was in New York.

Macunga

Before the initiation ritualWhat I still don't get is why Alex's parents never explained the initiation ritual to him, even as a kid. At least they could've mentioned that he'd have to fight.

I still cringe thinking about the scenes with Gloria and Mota-Mota from when I was a kid. Now I get it, though: it's just the typical inaccessible guy who seems special and interesting just because everyone fawns over him. But in reality, Mota-Moto only cares about Gloria's looks, not her as a person. That's a far cry from Melman, who remembered her favorite dish and habits. Their love story was my favorite part.

Julian the King dishes out relationship adviceThe most beloved scene in this movie is the father-son dance.

I remember wanting to rewatch just that one scene and I'd put it on YouTube. I even have the song from that moment in my playlist. Even now, rewatching the movie, I get goosebumps thinking about how amazing it is when they finally understand each other.

The dad protects the son, and the son protects the dad

Slow-mo

Favorite sceneA minor complaint about the movie.

I'm a bit disappointed that they didn't include scenes with the grandma. I get that they caricatured her as a tough grandma who's not afraid to fight a lion, beats him up, and is ready to cook and eat him, but it's just so awkward and unpleasant to watch as an adult.

I won't complain too much about the adult humor - it was there in the first Madagascar too.

I've got to give credit where credit is due.

The idea of the movie itselfI love how it brings the gang back to the wild, specifically to Africa, where they belong. The reunion with their parents, the African landscapes, it's all just so well done. I'm not sure why they felt the need to make a sequel and add a circus and a return to New York, but I guess that's just my opinion.

The personal conflicts within the groupThe movie really makes you think about some heavy themes. It's all about the importance of communicating with your loved ones, finding common ground, and being true to yourself. Marty's struggle to come to terms with the fact that his friends can do the same things he can is really relatable. It's clear that his self-esteem takes a hit when Alex mistakes him for another zebra.

The musicThe song during Alex's dance scene, the soundtrack at the beginning – it's all just so catchy and memorable.

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Verdict

This is a great movie. Watching it as a kid was definitely more fun, but now that I'm older, I can appreciate it for what it is. In my opinion, this is the best part of the Madagascar series. The sequel wasn't necessary, and I'm glad the gang stayed in Africa, where they found their true calling. The animation is nice, and by today's standards, it holds up pretty well. I wouldn't deduct any points.

Thanks for reading!Other reviews from me:

Catch the wave!

Don't be a party pooper

Metal Family

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the storyline of 'Madagascar 2'?

The movie follows the misadventures of Alex the lion and his friends as they navigate the wilds of Africa. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, but ultimately learn valuable lessons about communication, teamwork, and being true to oneself.

Who are the main characters in 'Madagascar 2'?

The main characters in 'Madagascar 2' are Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe. Each character brings their unique personality to the table, and their interactions with one another drive the plot forward.

What are some of the themes explored in 'Madagascar 2'?

The movie explores several themes, including the importance of communication, teamwork, and being true to oneself. It also touches on more serious issues, such as the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

Is 'Madagascar 2' suitable for all ages?

While 'Madagascar 2' is generally suitable for all ages, some of the adult humour may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parental discretion is advised.

What is the runtime of 'Madagascar 2'?

The runtime of 'Madagascar 2' is 89 minutes.

What is the release date of 'Madagascar 2'?

The release date of 'Madagascar 2' is 2008.

What is the genre of 'Madagascar 2'?

The genre of 'Madagascar 2' is comedy, adventure, and family-friendly.

What is the studio behind 'Madagascar 2'?

The studio behind 'Madagascar 2' is DreamWorks Animation.

check_circlePros

•The storyline is engaging and easy to follow, making it perfect for all ages.
•The characters are well-developed and relatable, with each one bringing their unique personality to the table.
•The animation is nice, and by today's standards, it holds up pretty well.
•The movie does a great job of balancing humour and heart, making it a great choice for families.
•The soundtrack is catchy and memorable, with several songs that will stick in your head.
•The movie explores some heavy themes, such as the importance of communication and being true to oneself.

cancelCons

•Some of the adult humour may not be suitable for younger viewers.
•The movie's pacing can be a bit slow at times, which may test the patience of younger viewers.
•The villain, King Julian, can be a bit one-dimensional at times.
•The movie's reliance on slapstick humour may not appeal to all viewers.
•The movie's themes may not be as deep or complex as some viewers may be looking for.
•The movie's ending can be a bit predictable, which may take away from the overall impact.

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