By Haley Hughes
If ever there was a film to see in 3D, it would be Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. This film proves that 3D can be used to enhance a viewing experience: allowing the audience to interact with the roller coaster like camera moves and the abstract sequences of light and color. Though it has a relatively weak story and fails to really develop character, the visuals and the use of 3d make this film worth a viewing.
Following Alex the lion, played by Ben Stiller, Marty the Zebra, played by Chris Rock, Gloria the Hippo, played by Jada Pinkett Smith, and Melman the Giraffe, played by David Schwimmer; Madagascar 3 follows the animals’ quest to return to their home at the New York City Zoo. From Africa, to Monaco, to New York, the film takes the audience on a visual journey that implements abstract elements with stylistic realism.
However, the film has its faults. The characters’ do not seem to drive the plot, but instead allow for a change of location and more random circumstance to occur. There are no internal conflicts or problems that our main characters face making them far less developed than in the previous two films. I found myself not so much caring about the characters’ plight as much as the visuals and gags they were producing. That being said, the villain, Captain Chantel DuBois, played by a wonderful Frances McDormand, is the most interesting character in the film. Be it running through walls or breaking into an entertaining rendition of “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” by Edith Piaf, she proves to be a formidably baddie to our home sick heroes.
Madagascar 3 is a great film for kids, using different arrays of color and physical humor to keep them excited while still catering to adults. The visuals can become overwhelming though, and I left the theatre feeling exhausted by the onslaught of images. However, I had fun watching this film, and the audience around me thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Overall I would recommend Madagascar 3, see it for the amazing visuals, the always funny Penguins, King Julian’s new love interest, and the random hilarity.