Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

School’s out, family-friendly movies are in, and you might want to add Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted to your children’s summer “to-do” list.

This animated feature film from DreamWorks continues the adventures of former Bronx Zoo residents whose last episode found them back in their native Madagascar. Alex the lion (voice of Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (voice of Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (voice of David Schwimmer) and Gloria the hippo (voice of Jada Pinkett Smith) lead the pack once again.

Homesick for New York and the luxuries of zoo life, public adoration and fame, the zoo animals concoct a plan. The penguins fly to Monte Carlo and the gambling casinos with a bag full of African precious stones. Their winnings will finance their trip home – right? Wrong. Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria think the penguins have deserted them, so they fly their dilapidated, monkey-powered airplane to Monte Carlo. Several disasters and hilarious situations later, the stranded animals have become the target of the police, led by Captain DuBois, a bloodhound (voice of Frances McDormand). The motley crew joins a European circus headed for London and New York City. The two groups clash, create mayhem wherever they go, and barely escape the clutches of Captain DuBois.

In the midst of chaos and ridiculous situations, children might learn a few lessons. As so often happens in real life, just when things look darkest, a ray of hope appears. The circus animals and the stranded zoo animals clash until they find that they need each other for different reasons. As the two groups learn to share their talents, the breath-taking performance they create illustrates unity in diversity.

The PG rating refers to some crude and adult humor, but no sex, profanities or obscenities. The action scenes often cause extensive property damage, but no serious bodily harm. Suitable for families, Madagascar 3 can be seen in 3D or 2D and runs for 93 minutes.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Dreamworks Animation