Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (10/16/2012)

Rated PG for some mild action and rude humor.

Starring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith (voice)

Directed by Eric Darnell and Conrad Vernon (Madagascar 1 & 2)

There were a few funny moments, but this is the third film in the Madagascar franchise and it’s more of the same.

Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the comedic adventure. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent — Madagascar style.

There really isn’t much to say about Europe’s Most Wanted. It has all the same cast and all the same gags. The penguins are up to there old tricks, Melman and Gloria are still in love and Alex still wants to be back in New York.

There are a few funny scenes and I loved hearing my son’s laughter filling the theater, but I felt like I was watching a Madagascar TV show and not the third installment of the franchise.

Your kids will probably love it, but it’s really only a “rental” for me.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one is fine for the whole family.

Conversation Starter:

1. What is the one thing these four friends want?


2. What happens when they finally get back to the zoo?


3. Once they realize that freedom is better than a life behind bars, what do they do?


4. Read Galatians 4:7
   
   So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
   
   Would you rather be a slave or a child?


5. God has set you free, what are some things this week that you can do to live free?