'Madagascar 3' pleasant but still disappointsThe whole reason I went to see “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” can be summed up in two words – “Circus Afro!” If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out the video. (If after watching the video you are still not sure what I am talking about, then this movie is not for you.) I don’t know why I find “Circus Afro!” funny. It’s Chris Rock in a Dreamworks film; there is no way I should be so entertained by that 10 second sequence, but it is funny.
Unfortunately, the film doesn’t live up to the “Circus Afro!” Even in 3D, it falls flat. To be fair, the film does have several sight gags that were made for 3D and it does use the medium well, it just isn’t as funny or as captivating as I wanted it to be, and I think the problem is in the details. Madagascar 3 is one of many films that make the mistake of constricting the pupil size in a close up of someone who is supposed to be agitated or excited, which is biologically incorrect. The pupil expands so that the brain can gather more information |
from the eyes during times of excitement.
Other than that, the French animal control woman is creepy without obtaining terrifying, and the various interspecies love stories are at best awkward. There is plenty of innuendo that is inappropriate for younger children even if they don’t get it. It is put in there for the adults, but it doesn’t work. “Madagascar 3” was better than “Despicable Me.” Put against a Disney or Pixar film, however, and “Madagascar 3” is like forgoing the Cirque du Soleil for your neighbor’s flea circus. If you are on a limited movie going budget, wait for “Brave.” Otherwise, this film is a pleasant diversion. |
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