The funniest characters from the Madagascar animated movies get their own feature length spin-off (they already have a successful TV series) with this fun adventure.
Beginning with a hilarious scene showing the quartet – Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico – getting together as baby penguins (narrated documentary-style by director Werner Herzog), the action begins when they meet wolf Agent Classified (Cumberbatch), leader of the elite undercover organisation The North Wind. Together, they need to save the world from an evil octopus (Malkovich) that has nefarious plans that involve our cuddly penguin pals.
While the spy plot borrows elements from both Cars 2 and particularly Despicable Me 2, it’s nonetheless an entertaining romp for the flightless creatures with a sentimental gooey bit (featuring Private and his yearning to be useful) at the centre. There are some nice sight gags and one-liners that will have kids and adults chortling, and while this isn’t quite as sharp as the Madagascar films, it’s a cute, comic delight for all ages.
Is Penguins Of Madagascar suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Very young viewers may find Dave the octopus a little scary to begin with.
SPOILER! Also, the under-6s may be scared when he captures the penguins and changes them into mini-monsters.
If you like this, why not try: Madagascar, Happy Feet, Despicable Me 2, Cars 2, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,