Teen Talk: ‘Madagascar 3′ a good family film

Hello, SWRNN readers! Here’s my review for the newest DreamWorks film, “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.”

“Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” is the third film in the popular “Madagascar” series, and is about the four animals from the first two films still fighting to get back to their home town of New York City.

Along the way, they run into a traveling circus, which leads them to reinvent it in their own crazy ways.

The film was written by Eric Darnell and Noah Baumbach, and starred the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Tom McGrath, Frances McDormand, Jessica Chastain and Bryan Cranston.

I personally have mixed feelings about this franchise. I loved the first movie, as it was a big part of my childhood. But the second installment wasn’t that great of a film by any means. Was this more like the first or the second? Let’s find out.

The voice talent in this film was very good, as most DreamWorks films are. Stiller, Rock, Schwimmer and Smith are all great in their returning roles, but the best voice by far was the addition of Bryan Cranston as a Russian Tiger. I personally love Cranston from the hit show “Breaking Bad,” so I’ll admit I’m a little biased, but his voice was just way too entertaining in this movie.

The animation in this film was nothing other than spectacular. I saw this film in 3D, and it was pretty awesome. This is one of the few films this year where the 3D really helped to add to the film, it added a little pop to everything. There is one set piece in particular that features a neon-colored circus act that was just breathtaking to see.

The script in this film had its hits and misses. Some of the jokes worked, and others didn’t. I’ll admit that I was laughing out loud quite a few times in this film, but some of the other attempts at comedy just weren’t that funny. This is a very kid-friendly film, and it’s not one of those animated films like “Rango” or “Toy Story” where the adults will enjoy it as much as the kids. That being said, it is still enjoyable.

I had a very fun time with this film. It’s not great, but overall, I give “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” a 3.5 out of 5. It’s a very good family movie.

Adam Rolseth is a teen movie reviewer and regular contributor to SWRNN.