'Madagascar 2' betters the original

Cert: G

The gang – cute jungle animals who come loaded with funny faces, human foibles and great one-liners – are back, still trying to return to their New York zoo home after being stranded and most certainly out-of-water in what should have been their natural habitat.

This time their escape from Africa – aided by the quite wonderful Mafia penguins (who really should be given their own film, the little scene-stealers) – comes apart at the seams ands in Africa they start to discover that they’re not really cut out for the natural world.

It’s actually much better than the highly successful first Madagascar, the characters are more rounded, the animation much sharper (actually quite beautiful) and the gags are funnier and delivered at a pleasingly swift pace.

There is, of course, the customary message of an uplifting nature – pulling together, chasing the dream, it’s friendship that counts – but it’s one we couldn’t possibly object to.

But do let’s have more of the penguins.

Star Rating: 5/5