Review: ‘Madagascar 2:’ Good laughs whether you like kids movies or not

By HEATHER SKRIP

I like to move it, move it.

Most people are familiar with the lines from that song and the fuzzy creatures that accompany it from the “Madagascar” series. Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippo and the penguins, have finally returned for “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.”

The film starts off with a story that appears to have nothing to do with the movie. But shortly after, the lovable characters from the first film return and all the original voices have returned, including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith and Sacha Baron Cohen.

The storyline is unpredictable, but ties together in the end. A few of the scenes bring back some of the funnier scenes in the first movie, while some create an entirely new plot involving Alex returning to his long-lost family.

There are some dull parts that take place throughout the 90 minutes. Even adults may find it hard to keep their attention, but those moments pass, and after the penguins or King Julien crack another joke, you will forget that a dry scene even occurred.

The laughs dominate the beginning and middle of the movie, with few coming at the end. Most come from the quick-witted penguins who offer the majority of adult humor. Others draw on the natural humor children find in butts.

The sequel is not as funny as the first, but is pretty close. The same humor applies and that is what makes this movie a must-see for anyone who is a fan of the first film.

Whether you like kids movies or not, if you have an hour and a half to spare, check out “Madagascar 2” for some good laughs.