Movie Review - Penguins of Madagascar

Penguins of Madagascar $$$ 1/2  

 

 

PG

92 Minutes

Starring: Tom McGrath, Christopher Knights, John Malkovich, and Benedict Cumberbatch.  

Directors: Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith.

  

            In my opinion, the penguins were the best part of any of the Madagascar films. They have their own television show. And now they have a movie. Hooray. 

            As far as a plot goes, to celebrate the birthday of Private (Christopher Knights) the penguins break into a highly-secure facility to obtain a rare treasure and are snagged by the evil mad-scientist, Dave (John Malkovich).

            Being the resourceful flightless birds that they are they escape and find themselves working at odds with a secret organization known as the North Wind. Both teams run afoul (pun intended) of one another as they attempt to prevent Dave from unleashing his diabolical plan upon the world.

     

            This is how I rated Penguins of Madagascar .

1. Fun – A movie like this might appeal to you if you like to laugh a lot. I know I certainly enjoyed it. Watch for the celebrity name dropping done by Dave whenever he speaks to his minions. I give it a Full MB for fun.

2. Story – The story really is only there to provide a vehicle for the penguins to travel around the globe creating havoc in their own unique way. I did like the plotline involving Private and his quest to be a valuable member of the team. I give it Half a MB for a decent, uncomplicated storyline.

3. Technical – Dreamworks puts out quality films with high expectations in the technical department. This movie is no exception. I give it a Full MB for visual and audio excellence.

4. Acting – Strong performances all around. You should already know what to expect from the penguins and they deliver. Perhaps a little more so from Private. John Malkovich does an outstanding job with Dave. Benedict Cumberbatch is great as Classified. The North Wind is well-represented with Peter Stormare as Corporal. I give a Full MB for the Dreamwork-standard voice work.

Put that all together and Penguins of Madagascar earns 3 ½ Movie Bucks. It is well worth the price of prime time ticket. Although, if you have several children you probably should consider catching it as a matinee.

                        Randy’s Rating System

$$$$   = Full Price    See this movie right away and pay full price, it’s worth it.

$$$     = Matinee      Catch this as a matinee or other discounted showing.

$$        = Discount     Wait until this movie reaches a discount theater near you.

$          = Rental         Wait until this movie reaches your local video rental outlet.

0          = No Sale       Don’t see this movie at any price.