Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Question: Well, did you think I was going to see this one?

Okay, I didn't really want to but I do have kids and its summer, so we headed to the theatre to check out the only animated film at the cinema: Madagascar 3. Usually, I am not a big fan sequels especially when a series gets to the number 3 or 4 spot, but I caved when my kids asked. What's a mother to do?

Anyway, I will keep this review short.

First, I was pleasantly entertained, although this film wasn't as good as the first one but far better than the second. As with many animated movies there was a moral to the story. And as a mother, I appreciated that. However, the moral in this one may be a bit mature for most young kids as it has something to do with leaving home and learning you make your home where ever you end-up and that the grass isn't always greener somewhere else.

The story started and jumped right into the adventure very quickly with the foursome still stuck in Africa. Marty, Alex, Melman and Gloria are still waiting on the penguins to return to take them back to the Bronx Zoo. So they decide to go to Monte Carlo to find them....yep, if they can go to Monte Carlo, why can't they get back to the good ol USA? Got me. Anyway, they get there and immediately make an enemy and a few new friends whilst looking for their rescuers. That is all I will tell you about the story of the latest Madagascar movie. 

The animation was spectacular. It really blows my mind what animators can do today. The detail, the depth of shapes and movements are a sight to see. This was a huge adventure movie with lots to see and to keep the kiddos fascinated. And we didn't even see it in 3D. So for that reason alone I recommend taking the kiddos to see this one at the theatre.

Most of the humor is definitely geared more towards children, but once in a while they threw in one or two for the adults. So enjoy Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.

Directed by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon, Dreamworks Animation, 2012

Starring Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett-Smith, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Andy Richter, Jessica Chastain, Brian Cranston, Martin Short and Frances McDormand.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

My favorite thing: Honestly, the animation was spectacular.

My least favorite thing: There really isn't anything to complain about.

Length: 93 minutes
Rating: PG

Review: 7 out of 10

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Preview: Rise of the Guardians

Well, I've been out of commission for awhile with the flu, but thought I would look for a preview to share with you all since I don't have a review. Perhaps I am still not feeling well or the medicine is making me see funny things, but this movie is taking a very interesting approach on our childhood tales. Rise of the Guardians -

What will they think of next?



Due out in November 2012.

Real Steel

Directed by Shawn Levy, Dreamworks Studios, 2011. Starring Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie and Hope Davis.


Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi.

Question: Do you ever go to the movies with the intention of seeing one movie but get talked into seeing another? Also, have you agreed reluctantly to see that movie and believe you aren't going to like but you end up being wrong? Well, that was my Sunday afternoon. I thought I was taking my kids to see A Dophin's Tale but got suckered into seeing Real Steel with my son saying, "Please, mom, please!" How could I say no?

This is probably where I should tell you the story was based on the short story "Steel" from the 1950's by Richard Matheson (look him up - he has a lot of stories that became TV shows or movies). During the opening credits I saw the following names attached to this film: Robert Zemekis, Stephen Speilberg, Danny Elfman and Shawn Levy. That list surprised me but still was a little doubtful at that point.

However, I actually ended up liking Real Steel. Believe it or not. I really wasn't expecting to but once the movie started with a great song by Alexi Murdock - "All My Days" I was intrigued. They just had me with this song because I honestly didn't think it would start that way so I relaxed and let the story take me away...



However, I started having some doubts right after the song with having my 9 and 11 year-old at this movie with the first "fight" scene. Let's just say it reminded of a sport in Spain I would never want to witness. Protective mama instincts kicked in and I was ready to bolt, but the story took another turn that I wasn't expecting so I stayed in my seat. No, I won't tell you what.

So, I am not going to tell you about the story - that isn't my normal thing anyway. Okay, I will give you one detail: It's about robots who box because people were no longer allowed to box. There, happy? The story was a bit on the predictable side but that really didn't matter. There was a great balance of the action with the robots and fight scenes with a sweet story about a boy and his father with a little romance kicked in. In fact, it had one of the best lines about kissing I've seen in ages. Sorry, back to the fighting robots.

The special effects were unbelievable. I did not see any hint of computer animation or that the actors were talking to a ball on a stick. I honestly want to know if those robots actually exist - that's is how great the effects were in Real Steel. So for you special effect junkies this one will make you very happy. In fact, I would glance over at my son and I am not sure I have seen him smile more intensely. Even my overly girly daughter was shadow boxing during some of the fight scenes. That cracked me up!

My one complaint though has to be the rest of the music because it was a lot of hip-hop and rap - not my favorite genres. However, it fit well with the story, but for me it was just a bit much. I suppose I should say I probably wasn't the target demographic for this movie but my 11 year-old son LOVED every single thing including the music in Real Steel. There you have it.

So, with that being said - grab your son, your brother or nephew and head to the movie theatre before this one is gone. We saw it in IMAX which for this type of movie is always better.


My favorite thing: The special effects.


My least favorite thing: As I said, some of the music wasn't my taste.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 127 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Real Steel (Music from the Motion Picture) - Various Artists

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