Penguins of Madagascar

They couldn't resist a penguins spin-off, given the (unexpected?) success of the Madagascar trilogy (and perhaps also happy feet), but in my view, this movie falls flat. The penguins are best as comic sidekicks, not leads. On the other hand, the kiddos both enjoyed it much more than I did.

And, speaking of show-stealing animals: the octopus villain was too creepy! American pop culture seems to have a love-hate relationship with these eight-legged marine creatures right now - see the much more positive depiction in Finding Dorie. This means a use of the

Sebastian's Rating: 10 Stars Sienna's Rating: 7 Stars Paul's Rating: 6 Stars.

I would give the movie a 9 if you are seeing it someplace other than the theater. We had to endure 25 minutes - literally - of previews and some of them (in particular Pan) are NOT kid friendly. My 4 year old enjoys a movie and has no issues sitting through them. Before the movie had even started he was asking to go home. Parents around us were actually complaining out loud with every new preview (now that's a first). What made it worse was the movie starts a bit slowly. I thought we were in trouble and I basically had to insist that we stay.

The movie itself was surprisingly entertaining and funny. Both myself and my son laughed throughout (although at different parts). What was a really nice change is the "adult humor" wasn't completely based on sex like has been the trend on so many Disney and Pixar films as of late. Much of it was clever with fun references to other movies.

My four year old - who likes Madagascar - laughed and cheered. The bad guy wasn't too bad and there was enough action to keep everyone's attention. The movie did run a bit long but that was really due to the previews. My son got pretty restless near the end.

Who knew that penguins could be so enjoyable???

I would definitely recommend Penguins but NOT at the movie theater (which pains me to say). If you are a parent wait for the DVD or streaming. They really wrecked a fun movie going experience. Clearly the executives and marketers don't have the children that should be the target audience for this movie.

The movie was cute because it is the penguins. I saw the Madagascar movies and watch the penguins TV series. I liked it except for different voices for the movies and the TV series.The only constant voice and same character was skipper. The others looked different from the show. Another thing I do not like are the name innuendos. What point does it have? Just for laughs? I think they could have done with out that. It would have been nice if they would have tied it in with the TV series as they did a tie in for the Madagascar movies. How did they get all the gadgets for the TV series? They are supposed to be an elite squad, where are the gadgets?

It is funny all the way , never a dull moment . They managed to sneak in touching moments too . These penguins are wily & go-getters . Nobody can mess with them . Kowalski is tech support , skipper is leader (obviously) , rico is worker & private is sincere eager follower . They can and do outwit everybody . I remember in 'madagascar 3' where skipper said 'you only get one chance at first impression' after hippo lady could not break the door . Some people are saying it as hard selling and by-product of successful 'madagascar' franchise . But , this is thoughtfully scripted . Full entertainment for family . Dialogues are glib and mocking .

Awesome, just awesome movie.

I don't know how to say this but it is a while since I've last seen a movie that made me laugh freely.

It is a complete movie from my point of view because it's understandable for children and it has plenty of jokes for grown ups. And I enjoyed a lot the jokes related to celebrities names like: Charlize Theron, Kevin Bacon, Hugh Jackman and others I don't remember right now.

It has plenty of surprises and it is after all a comedy wrapped into an animation movie that totally deserves the time spend watching it. I gave it a 9, maybe a little bit higher that rated but in my opinion you just have to see this :D.