Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 6+
Fun sequel has some romance, peril, adult humor.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sequel to the popular animated movie Madagascar will likely please all ages. But there are some mild sexual allusions (Gloria the hippo flirts with a brawny male hippo who likes her figure and isn't shy about saying so) and cartoonish violence (sequences include a plane crash, a handbag-packing grandma, and hunters wielding guns). There's also come crude/potty humor to watch out for, and an upsetting scene early on in which a young Alex is separated from his father against his will.
- Families can talk about the film's portrayals of friendships and how friends can deal with their companions' different personalities.
- Families can also discuss the film's use of clichés and stereotypes as jokes.
- Also, ask kids what they think about Alex's dilemma, especially when he realizes he's not like the other lions who grew up with a pride. What do you think of how he handles the situation?
- And what of Melman and Gloria and Marty's plight after finding themselves in the savannah? How does their adventure tear them apart and -- more importantly -- bring them together?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Not an issue
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Positive messages: Lessons in being loyal to your friends dominate the plot. There's some crude/potty humor along the way (spitting, nose picking, etc.).
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Positive role models: Four friends drift apart after crash landing in Africa and must face -- and accept -- their own weaknesses. There are some challenging moments, as when Alex can't tell the difference between Marty and other zebras, but in the end, the characters do seem to find peace within themselves and in turn be better friends to others.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A few scenes may be a little disturbing for younger kids. There's a jarring plane crash that puts characters in peril, but no one is seriously hurt. An old lady gets into a physical fight with a lion, and the lion has no compunctions about hitting her back (both take some hard hits but come out OK). The same woman fights with other lions later. Guns are trained on animals, and there's a power struggle between two leaders on the savannah. A lion rite of passage involves a fight for dominance. Animals, including a main character, are shown in what are called "dying holes" when they are sick. One main character almost ends up in a volcanoful of hot lava (and another minor one eventually takes the plunge). A young Alex is separated from his father against his will in a scene that could be upsetting for some kids.
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Sexy stuff: A hippo flirts strongly with another hippo, who tells her several times how much he likes her body. Some additional mild romance.
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Language: "Stupid" and "butt" are as salty as it gets.
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Consumerism: Mentions of an iPod and the New York Zoo, as well as references to being famous and catering to one's audience. And, of course, the movie itself is tied into a lot of merchandise and other marketing initiatives.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue