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Charlotte O'Sullivan's rating
Escape 2 Africa is ready for roaring success
By
Charlotte O'Sullivan
4 Dec 2008
Our old friend Alex the lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), last seen in the phenomenally successful Madagascar, goes back to Africa to meet his parents and initially disappoints his dad because he’s more interested in Bob Fosse-style hoofing than proving himself an alpha male.
The little old New York granny lion of the original also reappears, her immigrant spunk making her the perfect survivor. But what price survival? asks the film. As you’ll know if you’ve seen Madagascar, it takes the risky step of problematising animal appetites. Here, interestingly, the carnivorous members of the gang don’t eat anything, they just drink cocktails or water. Nor is racial purity much of a concern — inter-species romance is rife.
Stiller has an ear for mainstream projects that keep a few steps ahead of the crowd, like Meet the Parents and Tropic Thunder. Escape 2 Africa is tame by comparison but it never treats us like dumb animals.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
