Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Only the latest 3D threequel, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted both continues and improves the zaniness from the first two films. While both were a bit decent, this third one was the best of them.

The intrepid zoo escapees, Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinket-Smith) are stuck in Africa. Just as quickly, they and their little lemur friends are out of Africa and in Monte Carlo. Their penguin associates got themselves there, but didn't consider bringing them along.

After causing chaos in Monte Carlo, the animals find themselves pursued by Captain DuBois (Francis McDormand), a determined police woman with the stamina of Wily Coyote. To hide from her, they hitch a ride on a circus train. To stay on the circus train, they buy the circus and kick the humans out. To maintain their circus, they have to get on the good side of the troupe. Most of all is Vitaly (Bryan Cranston), the Russian tiger.

Sounds silly, doesn't it?

A completely Looney Toon, this film is energetic enough to entertain both kids and adults. There's the chase in Monte Carlo, complete with banana guns. There's an array of amazing circus acts, including Vitaly's physics-defying hoop tricks. And then there's the looniest scene of all: DuBois healing her injured officers by singing Edith Piaf. Even on flatscreens, the 3D sights are spectacular.

Could there be a number four? Probably, but the screenplay, co-written by Noah Baumbach, wraps things up so nicely that anything else might be an unneeded encore.

All in all, Madagascar 3 was meant to be fun, and it is fun. It helps having DuBois, the most memorable villain in the series, in the cast. With her around, this entry stands out amongst this summer's heavies with ease.