Penguins of Madagascar isn’t meant to be understood by adults on any level. Four biologically flight-challenged birds escape their carnival prison (well, after seeing Madagascar 3, I sure understand that) only to break into Fort Knox for a cheesy puff vending machine, which, in aniticipation of the actions of these loony aquatic birds, has been infiltrated by the evil Dave the Octopus (voice of John Malkovich). Dave is currently undergoing a penguin world abduction tour, you see. So, he hid in a vending machine in a heavily guarded section of Fort Knox in anticipation of Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Private (Christopher Knights) & Rico (Conrad Vernon) showing up. As I said
, the plot isn’t meant to be understood on any adult level – probably why I’m on board for Penguins.
I have no love for the Madagascar regulars. Wishy-washy pansies, all. “Oh, I’m a big scary lion, except when I’m a pussy, which is always …” The penguins, however? The penguins rock. The quartet consistently model a combination of two wonderfully comic values: insanity and determination. Lord knows, you don’t want to rely on a team of penguins saving you, but if it ever came to it, I like knowing that this unique selection of flightless waterfowl 1) think they can do it and 2) do not respect setbacks. Go, you little bastards. Save that day.
We get a little background here to start – as in all extended tales these days, we have to endure the origin story. Luckily, this one is both short and hilarious. A trio of young penguins (all but Private) is questioning their March to the sea. Stepping out of line, they track an orphan egg headed in the wrong direction. Skipper insists nobody gets left behind and the trio chase after the egg. Now see, this was my point in watching that silly documentary: you want your species to survive? You might consider caring for the abandoned eggs. The genius of this scene isn’t the set up; it’s the fact that a camera crew making another stupid penguin documentary is filming the action. The camera crew follows the young penguins chasing the egg to a precipice, where life literally hangs in the balance. The narrator/director (voiced by Werner Herzog, HA!) points out the delicate nature of the moment, how fragile the penguin lives are and how surely death will come with a misstep here – and then gently nudges trio and 
egg over the edge. Snort.
After that moment, this film could do no wrong in my eyes. I can’t say it was groundbreaking comedy, but I did enjoy Malcovich’s sociopathic octopus and the fact that all of his minions are cleverly named for for name-dropped orders. (e.g. “Nicolas, cage them!”) There’s a frantic string during the climax that shouldn’t be missed for any that enjoy Hollywood name drop bingo.
To summarize: out of jealousy, Dave the octopus is stealing the penguins of the world and uglifying them. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private have appointed themselves the team to stop him. I told you – don’t try to understand, just enjoy the ride.
♪I took my baby
To Mada’scar again
African creatures
All doin’ their thin’
When it comes to animation
I’m partial to
Those birds lacking flight
‘Cause if
You’re talkin’
Entertainment
It only matters if they’re
Black and white♫
Rated PG, 92 Minutes
D: Eric Darnell, Simon J. Smith
W: John Aboud & Michael Colton
Genre: Goofiness
Type of person most likely to enjoy this film: People who just like Madagascar for the penguins
Type of person least likely to enjoy this film: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith
♪ Parody inspired by “Black Or White”
