Writer: Loong Wai Ting

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Watch this if you liked: "Madagascar", "The Wild" and "Ice Age 2"

Following the success of the first "Madagascar" film, DreamWorks brings us another fun-filled sequel: "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa." Compared to the first film, the sequel is better made, with livelier scenes and more impressive viewing angles this time to showcase Africa's vast plains, which seems almost real as the story's backdrop.

From the storyline point of view, "Madagascar 2" adopts a more personal approach. If friendship was highly valuable in the first film, this time family and love are the focus. In short, "Madagascar 2" is more than just talking animals and the wild.

What's really fun about watching the franchise is that adults are able to put their logical thinking aside and just be carried away with the good humour and catchy phrases. It really is - without fail - entertaining to watch the penguins dressed up ala Special Agent 007 to build and fly a plane. Watching these little guys in neat tuxedos going about it is just incredible.

During the first half of the movie it was a rather annoying and frustrating experience. The subtitles accompanying the movie failed to do its job in translating what's onscreen but rather spoiled the fun when it moved ahead of time and gave away the surprise in the subsequent scenes.

Okay, I know what's on everyone's mind: is the "Move It" song still part of "Madagascar 2"? The good news is yes; and even better is that it's a remix. "Madagascar" would not be fun to watch if "Move It" is missing from the playlist! Well, what can you expect from songwriter Will I AM of Black Eyed Peas fame, right?

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" is really worth the wait. Go and catch this movie when it's out. As all Madagascar-ians say "You got to move it, move it!"

Cinema Online, 04 November 2008