Thanks to a solid stable of voice talent, Madagascar is able to overcome its mundane plotting and generic concept to become a fun, lively animated movie. Dreamworks animation can never be underestimated, even in the face of larger studios like Pixar, and it’s films like Madagascar (and of course Shrek) that have made Dreamworks animation a household name.
Anthropomorphic animals are the star of this show, including penguins… because apparently every animated movie needs animated penguins. Nonetheless, Madagascar is quick to engage its audience with sharp dialogue loaded with pop culture references and poop jokes. Can’t go wrong with monkeys flinging poop.
For the kids, there’s limited action. The story probably won’t engage them either. The shipwrecked animals sit around, fight, and make up for most of the film. Prior to that, they discuss life issues inside the Central Park Zoo. A solid zinger or two in there helps, but it’s going to be the animation that keeps kids entertained.
Madagascar is full of color, and its character design is all around excellent. Characters like Gloria and Melman, who are there for little more than comedic relief, still engage the audience purely because of their animation, but their antics make it hard to simply dismiss them as secondary.
With a running length of 80 minutes the film moves briskly, and the ending is both anti-climatic and open. It doesn’t feel like a cap to the story, but more like the start of a new plotline. That probably explains the sequel, but also leaves this one feeling unfinished.
Madagascar stands out against its competitors (such as the dull The Wild) purely because of its quality. From its animation to its fun gags, Madagascar is worth the price of admission. Don’t expect to take much away aside from those laughs though, as its story is strictly an excuse for the on-screen antics. 
Unsurprisingly, the film shines on Blu-ray. The gorgeous island setting is ripe for praise, and the transfer doesn’t disappoint. Color bursts off the screen, and the sheer amount of detail actually pulls out some minor flaws in the textures. Individual strands of fur are noticeable, and must make all of the time spent animating them worthwhile. There were no noticeable scenes that showed artifacting, and the contrast, thanks to rich black levels, is perfect throughout. 
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