Review of 'Penguins of Madagascar'
A spin off from the hugely successful “Madagascar” movies, “Penguins of Madagascar” tells the story of the much-loved penguins beginning with three of them as chicks, Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), and Rico (Conrad Vernon), in Antarctica where they rescue an egg from seals that hatches and the forth penguin is born, Private (Christopher Knights). 10 years later after the events of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted the penguins decide to leave the circus to break into Fort Knox (though it is not as you might think) where they are kidnapped by Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich) who reveals himself to be an octopus named “Dave” who resents penguins for being cuter than he is. They are rescued by an inter-species task force called “The North Wind” whose leader's name is “classified” (Benedict Cumberbatch) who aim to help animals who can't help themselves. They learn that Brine has a “Medussa” serum to use on the penguins of the world to turn them into horrible monsters. Will the penguins and “The North Wind” be able to stop this horrible villain? Will they ever have enough of the “Cheezy Dibbles” they so desperately crave? Will Private ever feel like a valued member of the group?
Absolutely hilarious with amazing and witty dialogue throughout as you might expect. The movie does not let up for any of it's short running length (90 minutes-ish). Everything here is fun with our particularly enjoying the octopus henchmen or, specifically, the way they walk up straight on their tentacles (makes me laugh just to think about it).
The story has a great deal of silliness and fun but yet still appeals to both young and old. As opposed to the other Madagascar movies this one does not ever take itself too seriously which is to it's benefit. Arguably, there is the small plot point of Private feeling undervalued but this is close as the movie ever gets to psychological tension. It is all the better for it. There is no pretence of any deeper message. Great!
The film does slow down slightly in the middle but this is only a temporary situation as the pace very quickly picks up again towards a fantastic finale. Sit back, listen carefully to the fast, sparkling, dialogue, and enjoy the fun…
Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”
Review Date: 2016-12-25
Directed by: Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith
Studio: Dreamworks Animation
Year: 2014
Length: 92 minutes
Genre: Animation
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1911658/