Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

The sequel to the 2005 Madagascar is as spunky, witty and funny. However, what's a let-down perhaps is the story, which takes the same course as The Lion King, with a detour towards Shrek thrown in.

Punches its key themes of friendship, togetherness and family amid a hyperactive swirl of jokes, musical numbers and physical gags.

The animation is as breathtakingly beautiful as before and if anything, the sequel is funnier and sharper than the original thanks to a witty screenplay.

It's a very handsome production, and a pretty funny one, too, which will keep audiences of all ages -- except perhaps the most cynical -- thoroughly entertained.

Whatever else I felt about the movie, this is good animation. The colours are extraordinary, the backgrounds stunning.

5-year-olds will eat it up, teenagers will say it's kids’ stuff, and adults duped into chaperoning a trip to the movie theater will struggle to make it through.

It's aimed squarely at the kiddos and the kiddos should enjoy it.

Pure fun, this family fare.

The four leads are all very good in their respective roles, especially Stiller and Rock, but it is the supporting characters that really make Madagascar a cut above most family fare.