🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
- Release year: 2008
- Runtime (length): 1h 29min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (257K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Zoo animals take a budget airline to Africa and cause a major drought, but it’s okay because penguins are on the case.
🍿 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Crash Landing in Africa
After escaping Madagascar on a rickety airplane ‘fixed’ by the penguins, Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman, along with King Julien, crash land in Africa. They soon discover they’ve landed on a wildlife reserve in Kenya, a place far more ‘wild’ than they ever imagined. The crash sets the stage for a reunion and new adventures.

Alex’s Royal Heritage
Alex is unexpectedly reunited with his parents, Zuba and Mom, who reveal his birth name is Alakay and that he was lost as a cub. This sets up a storyline where Alex struggles to reconcile his New York zoo upbringing with the expectations of his lion pride. He faces challenges in adapting to their ways.

Personal Quests and Romantic Developments
While Alex grapples with his identity, Marty discovers he’s no longer unique, as all zebras look and sound just like him. Gloria attracts the attention of Moto Moto, a charming hippo. Melman, believing he’s terminally ill, finally confesses his love for Gloria. Each character undergoes personal growth amidst the chaos.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Alex (Ben Stiller): A self-absorbed lion from the Central Park Zoo who rediscovers his origins and family in Africa.
- Marty (Chris Rock): An optimistic zebra who yearns for the wild and finds belonging among a herd of identical zebras.
- Melman (David Schwimmer): A hypochondriac giraffe who overcomes his fears and confesses his love for Gloria.
- Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith): A confident hippo who finds herself pursued by many suitors and ultimately reciprocates Melman’s feelings.
- Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen): The eccentric king of the lemurs who joins the animals on their adventure and brings chaotic humor.
- Zuba (Bernie Mac): Alex’s father and the alpha lion of the pride, who struggles to connect with his zoo-raised son.
- Makunga (Alec Baldwin): A scheming lion who desires to usurp Zuba’s position as the alpha lion.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Skipper: “Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.” – The penguins’ catchphrase, used when they need to act nonchalant in dangerous or awkward situations.
- Julien: “I like to move it, move it!” – Julien’s iconic line, expressing his love for dancing and celebration, which has become a popular meme.
- Melman: “I’m not gonna make it, are you happy now? I’m going to die, I’m going to die out here!” – Melman’s dramatic outburst, showcasing his hypochondria and fear of the wild.
- Moto Moto: “I like ’em big, I like ’em chunky.” – Moto Moto’s preference for Gloria, which became an instant meme.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $150,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $180,010,950
- Worldwide Gross: $603,900,354
💥 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this in the theaters as a kid and loving it, but I think I appreciate it even more now! The humor still holds up, and the animation is gorgeous. I really enjoyed Alex finding his family and the whole love story between Gloria and Melman. It made me feel so nostalgic and happy!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Families looking for a fun movie night”
- “Fans of the original ‘Madagascar’ movie”
- “Viewers who enjoy animated comedies with animal characters”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild crude humor”
- “Some intense action sequences”
- “Brief scary moments for very young children”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While not as fresh as its predecessor, ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’ offers enough silly fun and vibrant animation to entertain audiences of all ages. The voice acting from Stiller and Rock really shine through. Though somewhat derivative, the emotional core offers a memorable experience.
- IMDB: “A vibrant and fun family film, ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’ expands the world with new, engaging characters and locations. The penguins steal every scene, while the main cast explores themes of belonging and identity in a visually stunning setting.
Audience Reactions
The penguins are hilarious!: The penguins consistently steal the show with their antics and clever schemes.
I cried during the drought scene!: Many viewers found the emotional moments surprisingly touching and impactful, making for a heartfelt experience.
Overall Consensus: A fun and entertaining sequel that builds upon the original with more developed characters and heartfelt moments, although some found it predictable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Bernie Mac’s role as Zuba was one of his final film performances before his death.”
- “The filmmakers drew inspiration from classic adventure films and nature documentaries to create the African setting.”
- “Will.i.am not only voiced Moto Moto but also contributed to the film’s soundtrack.”
🖥️ How to Watch Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa?
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it’s often available to rent or buy. Check local listings for television airings. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, you might like these similar films:
- The Lion King (1994): Both films explore themes of family, identity, and belonging in an African setting, with a focus on a lion’s journey of self-discovery.
- Kung Fu Panda (2008): Another DreamWorks animated film that balances humor and heart while following a protagonist’s journey to fulfill their destiny.
- Finding Nemo (2003): Shares a similar theme of a character being separated from their family and having to overcome obstacles to reunite.
- Planes (2013): An animated movie with a theme of airplanes and adventure which involves travel to far off places.
🛒 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Related Products
- Madagascar Movie Collection (1-3): Own the entire Madagascar saga and relive all the laughs and adventures anytime, anywhere!
- Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa – Nintendo DS: Join Alex, Marty, and the gang on a new adventure as they journey through the African savanna. Includes mini-games!
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – DVD: Own the DVD of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and relive the adventure anytime!
- Madagascar Movie Poster: Decorate your space with this eye-catching poster!
🎧 Soundtrack
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “I Like to Move It” – performed by Sacha Baron Cohen
- “One By One” – performed by will.i.am & Hans Zimmer
- “The Traveling Song” – performed by will.i.am
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is generally considered suitable for young children. It’s rated PG for some mild crude humor and action. However, parents should be aware that some scenes may be intense for very young or sensitive viewers.
The main message of the movie revolves around themes of family, identity, and acceptance. It encourages viewers to embrace their unique qualities and find happiness in unexpected places, while also highlighting the importance of friendship and cooperation.
The main voice actors include Ben Stiller as Alex, Chris Rock as Marty, David Schwimmer as Melman, Jada Pinkett Smith as Gloria, Sacha Baron Cohen as King Julien, and the late Bernie Mac as Zuba. Alec Baldwin also voices the character Makunga.
🔥 Bonus Content
Gloria was SUPPOSED to be PREGNANT in MADAGASCAR 🤰😳 #Shorts
Did you know that Gloria was almost a mother in Madagascar? This short video uncovers a hidden fact about the movie that will leave you wondering ‘what if?’
Everything Wrong With Madagascar In 12 Minutes Or Less
Join CinemaSins as they dissect the first Madagascar movie, poking fun at its plot holes and questionable decisions. It’s a lighthearted and amusing take that will have you laughing while re-evaluating the film.
The MADAGASCAR Trilogy is Actually Awesome – Diamondbolt
Prepare to have your Madagascar knowledge tested! Diamondbolt dives deep into the trilogy, sharing insights and sparking discussion about what makes these animated adventures so special.
Madagascar explained by an Asian
Get ready for a side-splitting take on Madagascar! This Asian-inspired comedy video retells the movie’s story with a hilarious cultural twist, leaving you in stitches.
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