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They weren’t born in the wild... they were shipped there.
―Tagline

Madagascar is a 2005 American computer animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation, and released in movie theaters on May 27, 2005. The film tells the story of four Central Park Zoo animals who have spent their lives in blissful captivity and are unexpectedly shipped back to Africa, getting shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar. The voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, and David Schwimmer are featured. Other voices include Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter. It is DreamWorks's tenth animated feature film.

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, it was a success at the box office, grossing $542 million worldwide against a $75 million budget. It was the Highest-Grossing Animated Film of 2005 and the sixth Highest-Grossing film of 2005 overall.

A sequel, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, was released on November 7, 2008. The third film, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted was released on June 8, 2012. A spin-off sequel titled Penguins of Madagascar was released on November 26, 2014. A sequel, Madagascar 4, was announced for 2018 but it was removed from the release schedule and put on an indefinite hold due to DreamWorks' 2015 restructuring.

The movie is a companion piece to Rio (2011).

Plot[]

Alex the lion, Marty the starry-eyed zebra, Melman the hypochondriac giraffe, and Gloria the “hip” hippo all have a pampered life at the Central Park Zoo, New York City. Here they show off to the crowds and generally enjoy themselves, but Marty, who is celebrating his tenth birthday and having grown tired of his daily routine, longs to see the rest of the world and dreams of life in the wild. Though his friends tried to cheer him up during his birthday party, Marty tells them of his desire to go to the wild, which left them shocked and surprised. Having learned that the zoo’s penguins are planning to escape, he decides to follow suit and return by morning. He has a vague notion that the wild can be found in Connecticut as Gloria told him that there were some wide open spaces resembling the wild. So one night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on foot for Grand Central Terminal where he hopes to take the Metro-North Railroad to Connecticut.

When his friends found out about his departure, they escaped from the zoo and head for Grand Central Station via the Subway to try to get him back. Mason and Phil, two chimpanzees also escaped. While heading to and arriving at Grand Central, the zoo animals inadvertently scared away most of the passengers (except for one determined old lady who violently assaults Alex by bashing his head and his groin with her handbag). The zoo animals managed to catch Marty but they were soon caught and surrounded by authorities and firefighters before being shot with tranquilizer darts, along with the penguins, and Mason and Phil (two chimpanzees who also escaped). The next day, Anti-zoo campaigners and activists use the incident as evidence that animals should not be locked up. Facing pressure from protestors, all the zoo animals are placed in wooden crates and shipped to Kenya, where they will be placed in a wildlife reserve.

After escaping their crate, the penguins hijack the ship and changed its course, following their initial plan of making their way to Antarctica. During the penguins’ takeover, Alex and Marty got into a fight, as Alex blames Marty for their predicament. When the penguins commandeer the ship to head for Antartica, the crates containing Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria, fell overboard and they were left stranded at sea. Later, after night fell, Alex was washed ashore on a tropical island. Finding himself lost and alone, he began calling out the names of his friends which continued on until morning. He suddenly finds Melman stuck in his crate. Soon, the four are reunited. At first, Melman assumes they are in San Diego, California, leading Alex to become upset as he believed that they will be outshone by Shamu, another zoo animal, who is noted by Alex for his smug grin. However, after an encounter with a large tribe of lemurs who are ruled by King Julien XIII (voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen), the group realize they are not in the United States anymore. They are actually in the wild, on the island of Madagascar.

As Alex is still angry at Marty for deliberately ruining the group's lives, he divides the island between them, forcing Gloria and Melman to help Alex out in the construction of a look-alike Statue of Liberty. As Alex also included a beacon on the statue, he plans to ignite it with fire therefore, making it easy for a boat (which Alex believes is coming to rescue them) to know on where they are. Unfortunately, the plan fails when Melman inadvertently sets the whole statue on fire (in a Planet of the Apes parody). Gloria and Melman eventually decided to join with Marty (who is living comfortably on his side of the island), and Alex soon realizes that he has been unfair and selfish to his friend, thus deciding to join the others and enjoy his new life in Madagascar. Later that night, Alex began daydreaming of raw steaks only to find himself licking Marty, as he believes that he is licking at steak. This shows that his prey drive is starting to kick in.

Meanwhile, the penguins have arrived on Antartica only to find it snowbound, windswept and inhospitable. After surveying it for a few moments, they decide that it is not as interesting as they thought it would be when Private says, “Well, this sucks.” Back in Madagascar, King Julien hopes that the lemurs’ new friends, whom he calls the “New York Giants”, will scare away the fossa, the native inhabitants of the island and enemies of the lemurs. Despite the warnings and protests of his advisor Maurice (who is suspicious of Alex's predatory nature), Julien ignorantly convinces the lemurs to welcome the zoo animals to their own little corner of paradise.

During an ensuing welcoming party, Alex begins to regain his natural predatory instinct, losing his sanity in the process. After losing control and attacking Marty, Maurice, confirming his suspicions, considered Alex to be too dangerous to be a friend to the other zoo animals or to any of the lemurs. King Julien, accepting that his plan had failed and realizing the threat Alex has become, banishes him to the far side of the island, which is dominated by the fossa. When Alex hallucinates that everyone is steak, he loses control of himself again (though completely) and chaos ensues. As all the lemurs ran for their lives, Alex soon began chasing Marty with the intention of eating him, but before he could catch him, he was knocked out by Maurice, who threw a coconut at his head, earning him the respect of Julien. Regaining his senses, a remorseful Alex reluctantly makes the decision to leave his friends behind before going into self-exile. Now completely aware of what has happened to Alex and how dangerous the wild can be, a distraught and guilt-ridden Marty realized on what he has done and begins to regret his decision on leaving Central Park Zoo.

The penguins, leaving Antarctica behind, soon arrive at Madagascar with the ship. Realizing this may be a way back into New York, Marty finds Alex (against Gloria’s advice). Unfortunately, he ends up going deep into the fossa's territory, where he unsuccessfully tries to convince Alex to return with him, as his friend believes that he has become a monster. As Marty tells him he is not leaving without him and sings the song to cheer him up, the fossa eventually attack, and soon he, Melman, Gloria, and the penguins (who showed up to save the three) end up fighting for their lives.

When they were outnumbered by Fossa, Alex suddenly appears just before the Fossa could even have the chance of eating their prey. Though it appears that Alex has completely returned to his hunting instincts and he claims Marty as his own prey, this, however, turns out to be a ruse: Alex has managed to overcome his predatory instincts, to the joy of his friends. Using the fossa’s natural fear of him, Alex and his friends drives them away from the lemurs' territory for good At a girly ending, following a celebratory feast, at which Alex’s hunger is finally sushi, which he likes better than steak, the zoo animals return to the ship and began their journey back home. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the group, the ship had run out of fuel, as the penguins had used the last of it to reach Madagascar from Antartica. When Private asks Skipper, another of the penguins, if they should break the bad news, the latter decided not to and tells his fellow penguins to just smile and wave, thus setting the stage for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

Cast[]

Reception[]

Critical Reception[]

The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 55% approval rating based on 178 reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes’ “Cream of the Crop,” 37% of critics gave positive reviews based on 35 reviews. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 57 out of 100 approval rating based on 36 reviews, indicating “mixed or average reviews”.

Box Office[]

Despite the mixed response from critics, the film was a commercial success. The film grossed $47,224,594 with $11,431 average from 4,131 theaters making it #1. In the United States, the film gained $193,595,521 domestically and a foreign gross of $348,468,325 adding to a worldwide gross of $542,063,846. As of 2008, the film is the fifth highest-grossing DreamWorks animated feature behind Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Shrek, and Kung Fu Panda.

Trivia[]

  • This is the second-to-last DreamWorks Animation film to be released by DreamWorks Pictures (the then label from Universal Pictures).
    • This also marks the only Madagascar film to be released by DreamWorks Pictures (the then label from Universal Pictures).
    • This is also the only Madagascar film to be released on VHS.
    • This is the only film in the Madagascar franchise where the names of the major cast members are listed outside the credits at the start instead of the end.
  • This is the final Pacific Data Images (aka PDI/DreamWorks) film to be released by DreamWorks Pictures (the then label from Universal Pictures).
  • This is the final DreamWorks Animation film distributed by DreamWorks Pictures (the then label from Universal Pictures), where the film is produced by the company, the next (and last) DWA film distributed by DreamWorks Pictures would have the company only be released by them.
  • This is the fourth DreamWorks Animation film to release in theaters during May, right after Shrek, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, and Shrek 2.
  • Madagascar was the first Animated film to win a Kids' Choice Award for "Favorite Animated Movie" in 2006.
  • This is the fourth DreamWorks Animation film to be Co-Produced with Pacific Data Images (aka PDI/DreamWorks), the first three being Antz, Shrek, and Shrek 2.
  • Madagascar is the second DreamWorks Animation film to become a full on franchise with Sequels, & Spin-Offs. First one being Shrek.
  • The film was released on the same day as the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard, also featuring Chris Rock.
  • The scene where Alex says "You maniac!! You burned it up! Darn you!! Darn you all to heck!" like the liberty lady gets burned down is a reference where George Taylor (Charleton Heston) has a huge tantrum because of the broken liberty in the 1968 film Planet of the Apes.
  • This is the third DreamWorks Animation film to be promoted by mentioning Shrek in the advertisements, following Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Shark Tale.
    • It is also the first time that another DreamWorks film besides Shrek was mentioned in the advertisements to promote one of their upcoming movies (the movie being Shark Tale).

Appearances[]

Characters[]

Locations[]

  • Earth
  • Africa
  • Madagascar (First appearance)
  • Kingdom of Madagascar (First appearance)
  • Mozambico (First appearance) (map script only)
  • Antarctica (First appearance)
  • China (First mention)
  • Indian Ocean
  • North America
  • USA
  • New York City
  • Central Park
  • Central Park Zoo (First appearance)
  • Liberty Island (First appearance)
  • Statue of Liberty (First appearance)
  • Time Square (First appearance)

Objects[]

  • Alex plush toy (First appearance)

Gallery[]

Wiki
DreamWorks Wiki has a collection of images and media related to Madagascar.

Videos[]

External Links[]


Navigation[]

v - e - d
Madagascar 3 logo
Media
Films: MadagascarMadagascar: Escape 2 AfricaMadagascar 3: Europe's Most WantedPenguins of Madagascar

TV Specials: The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas CaperMerry MadagascarMadly Madagascar
TV Series: The Penguins of MadagascarAll Hail King JulienMadagascar: A Little Wild

Characters
Zoosters: AlexMartyMelmanGloria

Penguins: SkipperKowalskiRicoPrivate
Lemurs: King Julien the 13thMauriceMortClover
The Circus: GiaStefanoVitalySonyaEsmeralda, Esperanza and ErnestinaManu and MayaDancing Dogs
The North Wind: ClassifiedEvaShort FuseCorporal
Allies: Mason and PhilLemursTedZubaFlorrieMoto MotoMarlene
Villains: FossasNanaMakungaTeetsiMr. ChewChantel DuBoisDaveOctopusesKarlChauncey

Music
Madagascar: I Like To Move ItStayin' AliveWhat a Wonderful World

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: The Traveling SongI Like To Move ItAlex On The Spot
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted: Afro CircusAfro Circus/I Like To Move ItFireworkGonna Make You SweatWhat's New Pussycat?
The Penguins of Madagascar: Brand New PlanConga KingDrop Some Acorns on Em'Penguin ChantPorpoise Power BalladThump Thump ThumpHe's Doctor Blowhole
Others: CelebrateSanta Claus is Coming to MadagascarWho's da King

See also
Locations: AfricaAntarcticaCentral Park ZooCircus ZaragozaFranceMadagascarNew York CityVatican City


v - e - d
DreamWorks logo
Cinema
Feature Films: Antz (1998) • The Prince of Egypt (1998) • The Road to El Dorado (2000) • Shrek (2001) • Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) • Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) • Shrek 2 (2004) • Shark Tale (2004) • Madagascar (2005) • Over the Hedge (2006) • Shrek the Third (2007) • Bee Movie (2007) • Kung Fu Panda (2008) • Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) • Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) • How to Train Your Dragon (2010) • Shrek Forever After (2010) • Megamind (2010) • Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) • Puss in Boots (2011) • Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012) • Rise of the Guardians (2012) • The Croods (2013) • Turbo (2013) • Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) • How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) • Penguins of Madagascar (2014) • Home (2015) • Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) • Trolls (2016) • The Boss Baby (2017) • Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) • How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) • Abominable (2019) • Trolls World Tour (2020) • The Croods: A New Age (2020) • Spirit Untamed (2021) • The Boss Baby: Family Business (2021) • The Bad Guys (2022) • Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) • Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023) • Trolls Band Together (2023) • Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Co-produced Films: Chicken Run (2000) • Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) • Flushed Away (2006)
Upcoming Films: The Wild Robot (2024) • Dog Man (2025)
Feature Films in Development: Mice & MysticsShrek 5
Direct-to-Video Films: Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)
Digital films: Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021) • Orion and the Dark (2024) • Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate (2024)
Canceled Films: TuskerThe WandererTortoise vs. HareTruckersMe & My ShadowMonkeys of MumbaiRumblewickB.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly OperationsGiants: Forces of NatureLarrikinsZodiacSpooky Jack

Television
TV Specials: Shrek the Halls (2007) • Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space (2009) • Merry Madagascar (2009) • Scared Shrekless (2010) • Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010) • Gift of the Night Fury (2011) • Madly Madagascar (2013) • Trolls Holiday (2017) • How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019) • Trolls: Holiday in Harmony (2021)

Shorts: Shrek in the Swamp Karaoke Dance Party! (2001) • Shrek 4-D (2003) • Sinbad and the Cyclops Island (2003) • Far Far Away Idol (2004) • Club Oscar (2005) • The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper (2005) • First Flight (2006) • Hammy's Boomerang Adventure (2006) • Secrets of the Furious Five (2008) • B.O.B.'s Big Break (2009) • Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010) • Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular (2010) • Megamind: The Button of Doom (2011) • Thriller Night (2011) • The Pig Who Cried Werewolf (2011) • Night of the Living Carrots (2011) Book of Dragons (2011) • Gift of the Night Fury (2011) • Secrets of the Masters (2011) • Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos (2012) • Almost Home (2014) • Rocky and Bullwinkle (2014) • Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014) • Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll (2016) • Bird Karma (2018) • Bilby (2018) • Marooned (2019) • To: Gerard (2020)
TV Series: Toonsylvania (1998) • Invasion America (1998) • Alienators: Evolution Continues (2001–2002) • Father of the Pride (2004–2005) • The Penguins of Madagascar (2008–15) • Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011–2016) • DreamWorks Dragons (2012-2018) • Monsters vs. Aliens (2013-2014) • Turbo FAST (2013–2016) • VeggieTales in the House (2014-2016) • All Hail King Julien (2014-2017) • The Adventures of Puss in Boots (2015-2018) • Dinotrux (2015-2018) • The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show (2015-2017) • Dawn of the Croods (2015-2017) • Noddy, Toyland Detective (2016-present) • Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016-2018) • Home: Adventures with Tip and Oh (2016-2018) • Trollhunters (2016-2018) • VeggieTales in the City (2017) • Spirit Riding Free (2017-2020) • Trolls: The Beat Goes On! (2018-2019) • The Boss Baby: Back in Business (2018-2020) • The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (TV series) (2018-2019) • Harvey Street Kids (2018-2020) • The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants (2018-2020) • She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020) • Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny (2018-2019) • 3Below (2018-2019) • Where's Waldo? (2019-2020) • Archibald's Next Big Thing (2019-present) • Dragons: Rescue Riders (2019-2022) • Fast & Furious: Spy Racers (2019-2021) • Cleopatra in Space (2020-present) • Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020) • Rhyme Time Town (2020-2021) • Madagascar: A Little Wild (2020-2022) • Wizards (2020) • Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022) • The Mighty Ones (2020-2022) • Doug Unplugs (2020-2022) • Trolls: TrollsTopia (2020-2022) • Gabby’s Dollhouse (2021-present) • Go, Dog. Go! (2021-2022) • The Croods: Family Tree (2021-2023) • Dragons: The Nine Realms (2021-2023) • The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib (2022-2023) • Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (2022-2023) • Abominable and the Invisible City (2022-2023) • Megamind Rules! (2024-present) • Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (2024-present)
Upcoming TV Series: Felix the Cat (TBA) • Bearbrick (TBA)

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