Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

64% of critics liked it
(149 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(327,749 ratings)

Hopelessly stranded on the remote shores of Madagascar, the New Yorkers hatch a plan to get back to Central Park that instead finds them soaking up sun in the picturesque plains of Africa. Madagascar may be a nice place to visit, but for the gang of animals who spent most of their lives in New York,… More Hopelessly stranded on the remote shores of Madagascar, the New Yorkers hatch a plan to get back to Central Park that instead finds them soaking up sun in the picturesque plains of Africa. Madagascar may be a nice place to visit, but for the gang of animals who spent most of their lives in New York, there is truly no place like home. After discovering the remnants of a crashed airplane, the penguins quickly set about making the repairs needed to get the craft airborne again. When the plane finally takes to the sky, it begins to look like it's only a matter of time before Alex the Lion (voice of Ben Stiller) and friends are soaring over New York Harbor. Unfortunately the penguins weren't the aviation experts they claimed to be, and before long the crew is coming in for a crash-landing in the untamed plains of Africa. Now, as the animals reared in the safety of the zoo come into contact with their decidedly wild counterparts for the very first time, they get a better feel for their roots while marveling over the differences between life in the concrete jungle and life on the world's second largest continent. Of course, while there's plenty to love about wandering the open plains, romantic rivalries and the risk of running into dangerous poachers soon begin to outweigh the joys of some long-overdue family reunions. With some particularly heavy cases of homesickness causing hearts to weigh heavy, the group gradually starts to wonder whether they'll ever find their way back home. Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter lend their voices to this animated sequel that re-teams original Madagascar co-directors Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath
Written By: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Etan Cohen
Genres: Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Nov 7, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Feb 6, 2009
Studio: Paramount Studios

Critic Reviews

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
The sequel, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, is a better film, though -- less manic, more easygoing.
Ben Lyons, At the Movies
This is great. I loved it.
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
This is a really funny movie.
David Germain, Associated Press
With so many characters to cram in and not much for many of them to do, Escape 2 Africa ends up a choppy, episodic affair.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
A by-the-numbers follow-up to the highly successful 2005 feature that was no great shakes to begin with.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Whenever we move away from their scenes -- sharp and quickly edited -- the film slows a bit. Whenever we skip to one of the main characters learning yet another life lesson, the fun begins to fade.
Neil Pond, American Profile
Kids will love the wisecracking penguins, industrious monkeys and feisty, survivalist grandma, who packs quite a wallop with her handbag.
Matt Soergel, Florida Times-Union
Doesn't mess with a good thing. That means many prankish penguins, loony lemurs and that "move it, move it" song, all over again.
Anders Wotzke, Moviedex
In a post WALL-E world, it's hard not to be slightly underwhelmed by Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.
Paul Chambers, CNNRadio
Two stripes and you're out!
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
packaged with a DVD of The Penguins of Madagascar... I found the bonus DVD to be even better than the main feature.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Released simultaneously on standard DVD and Blu-ray, both versions have plenty to offer.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
I am no great fan of sequels, and am especially suspicious of movies that try to cross-over between adult and child audiences. But this one won me over early on.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Energetic, fast-paced, and pumped full of zany humor...sure to entertain the younguns and be fairly painless for their guardians. [Blu-ray]
Jules Brenner, Cinema Signals
There's amusement in this jungle jumble but "Happy Feet" left me happier.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Despite the movie's humorous characters, constant movement, and picturesque settings, the tale never quite catches fire. (Blu-ray Edition)
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
The characters seem better developed this time and the story lines are stronger.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...relies more heavily than ever on friendship, love, and family relationships. Who can complain about that?
Joseph Proimakis, Movies for the Masses
den eihe kamia idiaiteri istoria na proekteinei, oyte apaitiseis kanenos fan base na ikanopoiisei, opote logika, den prospathei na kanei tipote ap' ta dyo
Jolene Mendez, Entertainment Spectrum
Definitely a step down from the first one, but you should not let that stop you from seeing a film with great humor and animation.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Phil H

Is it me or are kids films getting very lame and daft these days? I know the film isnt aimed at my age group haha but alot of these animated films do tend to be quite universal, but this was really quite basic and silly. The original wasn't exactly great but this sequel beats the… More
Is it me or are kids films getting very lame and daft these days? I know the film isnt aimed at my age group haha but alot of these animated films do tend to be quite universal, but this was really quite basic and silly. The original wasn't exactly great but this sequel beats the first, its so stupid and really off the wall I reckon even kids may find it boring. The film looks gorgeous...really amazing, smooth, lovely colours and highly detailed animation all round on everything. The voice cast are OK, Schwimmer and Stiller being the best of course and the small penguins being a very close second for laughs. Other characters are cliched and annoying such as the Indian lemur and fat black orientated hippo. Plot wise its the same as hundreds of other kids films so no comment. A kids film it may be but this is still scraping the barrel in my opinion, there was no need for it and I'm sure kids wont find it so great either, roll on 'Toy Story 3'.
Lady D

A watchable sequel with superb animation when it comes to scenery. A little Lion King like in parts, but each have their own little sub stories in this one.
Directors C

People seem to believe this film is BETTER then the original well it's NOT its JUST AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL. Why? Its numerous pop culture refrences and repetetive jokes are all the same as those from the first. For example, the old woman who extremely dislikes Alex the Lion.… More
People seem to believe this film is BETTER then the original well it's NOT its JUST AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL. Why? Its numerous pop culture refrences and repetetive jokes are all the same as those from the first. For example, the old woman who extremely dislikes Alex the Lion. This is the DOWN side of Madagscar 2. The UP side is the deeper meaningful pplot that is easy to follow and quite interesting. Like I said in the first I ENJOYED THE HUMOUR and if its the same in Madagascar 2 well I enjoyed it just as much.
Unknown H

I actually enjoyed this movie more than the first one simply because the dynamic shifted to the penguins and King Julian who are undoubtedly the unsung stars of these movies. Sacha Baron Coehn will be remembered for a lot in his career, but in my heart, he will always be King Julian.… More
I actually enjoyed this movie more than the first one simply because the dynamic shifted to the penguins and King Julian who are undoubtedly the unsung stars of these movies. Sacha Baron Coehn will be remembered for a lot in his career, but in my heart, he will always be King Julian. Best part - drunken Lemar singing "Private Dancer" by Tina Turner. Genius!
Sophie B

Not as good as its predecessor but still a refreshing and family funny. Entertaining for all ages and genders.
Alexander D

Much better and funnier than the first "Madagascar", which is a surprise, because with most movies, the sequels observantly fail.
Brad W

I thought it was just going to be another animated movie, but boy I was wrong. I found the story inviting, the visuals much improved, and laugh out loud comedy. Was a very good animated movie.
Wahida K

InTheBasket program <center>King Julien: Whatever happened to the separation of the classes? Maurice: I'm sure this whole democracy thing is just a fad. Julien: Ha,ha,ha! I like laughing! It's such a nice expierence! Melman: [Melman pokes his head in] Whoa. Julien:… More
InTheBasket program <center>King Julien: Whatever happened to the separation of the classes? Maurice: I'm sure this whole democracy thing is just a fad. Julien: Ha,ha,ha! I like laughing! It's such a nice expierence! Melman: [Melman pokes his head in] Whoa. Julien: Exuse me, this is first class. It's nothing personal, it's just that we're better than you. </center> Madagascar is one of the Unique Movies, I adore every character in the Movie. Okay my all time fav character is King Julien. This part was fun just like the first one.
Jens S

One of the rare cases of the second part being even stronger than the original, this sequel to the animated hit comedy is faster, funnier and more diverse. Especially when compared to the Disney-disaster "The Wild" this movie does everything right: great characters, a fast… More
One of the rare cases of the second part being even stronger than the original, this sequel to the animated hit comedy is faster, funnier and more diverse. Especially when compared to the Disney-disaster "The Wild" this movie does everything right: great characters, a fast pace, great gags and beautiful animation. It's never too silly and even adults have fun spotting movie quotes. A movie where the smallest, cutest animals get kicked out of the way and old ladies get run over by safari cars has to be great. Still the movie doesn't miss to touch you, even makes you happy.
Michael E

another instance where the sequel is better than the original
KJ P

A much better movie than it's predecessor! Funnier, Wittier, and more mature!
Red L

I don't know if I will ever rate an animated movie beyond 3 stars. It just isn't a full movie to me when the characters are avatars. Each of the four friends finds out something significant when they land up in Africa. If you have 90 minutes to kill some weekend, and this… More
I don't know if I will ever rate an animated movie beyond 3 stars. It just isn't a full movie to me when the characters are avatars. Each of the four friends finds out something significant when they land up in Africa. If you have 90 minutes to kill some weekend, and this movie comes up, watch it.
paul s

a whilwind of great animation and hilarious one liners (Sasha Cohen's lemur king is worth the price of admission by itself), this film, while occasionally a bit obvious in its message pieces still manages to entertain throughout. The penguins are a riot and the monkeys erudite… More
a whilwind of great animation and hilarious one liners (Sasha Cohen's lemur king is worth the price of admission by itself), this film, while occasionally a bit obvious in its message pieces still manages to entertain throughout. The penguins are a riot and the monkeys erudite as usual. There are some wonderfully inventive moves where you don't expect them, which make the bonding/friendship aspects seem all the more contrived. Creating Alex's backstory was nice move and a wonderful way to start the film (while giving those who did not see the first film a good introduction to all the charactors).
Film C

I love this movie and i do have to say this was a lot better than the first one, way more funnier than the first that left me wetting myself with tears streaming down my face!! It keeps all the original hilarious characters such as the king of madagascar and the penguins and the… More
I love this movie and i do have to say this was a lot better than the first one, way more funnier than the first that left me wetting myself with tears streaming down my face!! It keeps all the original hilarious characters such as the king of madagascar and the penguins and the monkeys, ita hilarious and a pretty decent storyline as well! The crew return us to madacascar where they are about to tke of in there made plane to make it back to new york but when things get complicated they end up landing in africa where we see Alex (Stiller) childhood and family but when the prides water drys up alex faces an opportunity to prove himself! This lol sequel is differnatly not one to miss really worth a watch!!!
Sanjaya &

Not as fun as the first movie... I'm not enjoying this movie very much.. The story really a standard, and a out of logic of course... Maybe the nonsense thing can be forgotten by me if they really make a movie which is very funny, but that thing didn't happen to this movie,… More
Not as fun as the first movie... I'm not enjoying this movie very much.. The story really a standard, and a out of logic of course... Maybe the nonsense thing can be forgotten by me if they really make a movie which is very funny, but that thing didn't happen to this movie, so the only word I can say is "Sorry, I can't gave this movie a higher score"
Dean M

This animated sequel of the foursome catapulted homeward is outstanding funny (I should have watched the first movie before this) and realises it is about to get all Woody Allen on <i>The Lion's King's</i> ass. Despite cheering blasts of prog-rock, a chimpanzee… More
This animated sequel of the foursome catapulted homeward is outstanding funny (I should have watched the first movie before this) and realises it is about to get all Woody Allen on <i>The Lion's King's</i> ass. Despite cheering blasts of prog-rock, a chimpanzee pay dispute, a spectacular penguin-manned plane crash (the best and hilarious scene I ever watched), and a great gag about zebra herd mentality. Thumbs up!
Candy R

Great sequel. The four friends are still trying to get back to New York zoo but their plane crashes in Africa, where Alex (lion) is reunited with his family. Marty (zebra) finds out he is not unique and Melvin (giraffe) finds out he is in love with Gloria (hippo). Funny scenes e.g.… More
Great sequel. The four friends are still trying to get back to New York zoo but their plane crashes in Africa, where Alex (lion) is reunited with his family. Marty (zebra) finds out he is not unique and Melvin (giraffe) finds out he is in love with Gloria (hippo). Funny scenes e.g. when they get attacked by a group of New York tourists on safari.
Douglas W C

It was okay, had it's funny moments. But the 4 main characters are just flat the 2nd time around. Thankfully they understand the real stars of these movies and gave the penguins thier own show. Them and the monkeys stole the movie.
Mike S

Better than the first one in almost every single aspect! Of all the improvements and brush-ups, however, I must say the most notable ones lies in the writing. Because while the jokes and dialogue of the original fell pretty flat, this one actually made me laugh a few times, and not… More
Better than the first one in almost every single aspect! Of all the improvements and brush-ups, however, I must say the most notable ones lies in the writing. Because while the jokes and dialogue of the original fell pretty flat, this one actually made me laugh a few times, and not just thanks to the ever-hilarious penguins. I also liked the story better, as it felt more fleshed out in comparison, and doesn't rely as much on brainless slapstick like the first one did. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
Roy G

This is one of those rare occasions where the sequel is better than the original ? but only by a whisker.