Movie review: "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" (2008)

The gist: Typical cartoon insanity transports Central Park Zoo's Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock) and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) to the African wild. But when the joy of finally being among their own species wears off, the New York animals yearn to be appreciated for their individuality and friendships are tested. Alex has it the hardest – reunited with the parents he lost as a cub, only to shame them because his extraordinary dancing talent is useless in a scrap.

Selling points: Visually stunning. Besides the celebs mentioned above, there's voice acting from Sacha Baron Cohen, Bernie Mac (in one of his last roles), Alec Baldwin and Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, who had a hand in the music as well. Character-wise, idiotic lemur King Julien and his servant Maurice return, as do those light-flippered penguins, stealing equipment and scenes with military precision.

It's kinda like: Seen "The Lion King" (1994), the original "Madagascar" (2005) and "Happy Feet" (2006)? Then you've effectively seen this.

Final word: Escapism that's harmless but far from charmless.

[Australian cinema release date: December 18]