2/23/2006

Mini Movie Review: Madagascar


Saw this on Monday night. Did not like it. I think I am finding that everytime I watch a DreamWorks Animation film, there is something that is lacking. I had high hopes for this one as the trailer really made me want to see this a year and a half ago. I can't quite put my finger on what is missing. Voice work is fine, animation is beautiful, characters are cute, story is... well actually, maybe this is what didn't do it. Humour was okay but I didn't laugh as much as I did with some of the Pixar films of recent years. There is a certain magic with Pixar films that pulls everything together. This film was like this was an unfinished piece of furniture. Plans were solid, execution was there, It looks good, it's solid enough but there is no varnish finish on it.

I rate this one a 5.5 out of 10. Cinful one gave it a 7.5.

12 comments:

James said...

Really? That's too bad b/c I loved this movie. Thought it was pretty damn funny. In fact, I even bought the dvd for Ferda for her bday. I've also heard that Madagascar 2 will be released in 2008.

Especially Julien, King of the Lemurs, voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen, you might know him as Ali G from the Ali G Show on HBO. That show is hilarious BTW.

Anyway, I think some of my favourite quotes from that movie come from Julien, for example:

Random Lemur: I like them!

Mort the Mouse Lemur: I like them, I like them! I liked them first! Before I even met them I liked them! As soon as I met them I liked them right away! You hate them compared to how much I like them!

Julian: Oh shut up, you're so annoying!

...and...

Julian: Shh! We're hiding. Be quiet everyone. That includes me. Shh! Who's making that noise? Oh, it's me again...

...also...

Maurice: What if Mr. Alex is even worse then the Foosa? I'm tellin' you, that dude just gives me the heebiedabajeebies!

Julian: Maurice, you did not raise your hand. Therefore, your heinous comment shall be stricken from the record. Does anyone else have the heebie-jeebies for Mr. Alex? No? Good. So shut up.

...as well as...

Alex the Lion: Whoa! Hold up there a second, fuzzbucket. You mean like, uh, the "live in a mud hut, wipe yourself with a leaf" type wild?

Julian: Who wipes?

Gloria the Hippo: Oy vey.

Julian: Oy vey!

Maurice: Oy vey, everybody!

I also really like the little lemur named Mort who's voiced by Andy Richter. That's all I have to say, thanks for listening.

[I think this is the longest comment I have ever written - well, it certainly TOOK the longest to write]

Ferda said...

bwahahaha I have to agree with James very enjoyable movie.

I also really like the Shreks and Finding Nemo.

James said...

Hmmm... the Shrek's were produced by Dreamworks I think. But I'm pretty sure Nemo was Disney...

Anonymous said...

Nemo was Pixar (Disney)
Shreks were indeed Dreamworks.

Ferda said...

well excuse me!

iBenoit said...

I believe - whomever anonymous is - is right.

I did like Shrek 1,2 but I was kinda cold to Ice Age... same with Robots.

Hahaha.. "cold to Ice Age..." I kill me!

What's your favorite CGI Animation flick Ferda?

I have to put Toy Story 1 and 2 before all the other ones. They rocked!

James said...

I really liked the toy story's too. but i think nemo is the best.

iBenoit said...

Can I put Babe in these CGI movies... if so... it's close to Toy Story.

Ferdinand the Duck is my all time mantra!

A duck, looking for his purpose in life... and remember Christmas = carnage!!!

Ferda said...

I'm with Artoo Toy Story 1 & 2 of which I liked the second slightly more. Nemo is just so sweet though... just thinking of it makes me go awwwww

Ferda said...

I've never seen Babe!

James said...

babe is good. A little different from the other movies mentioned above. I don't think Babe was meant to be a comedy, where I definately think movies like Shrek and Nemo and Toy Story and Madagascar are MEANT to be funny.

My $0.02

Patricia said...

I completely agree. DreamWorks always seems to leave something to be desired. Madagascar was a good attempt, I'll give them that, but overall I just didn't like it. Pixar is so much better - their films are always amazing.