Les Pingouins de Madagascar

2015 kicks off with a stupendously silly but mostly amusing animated film that is best enjoyed with easy-to-please toddlers chuckling by your side. After stealing the limelight in the Madagascar trilogy, the awesome foursome get their own adventure, complete with globetrotting hijinks, high-flying acrobatics and extravagant escapes. Filled to the brim with physical comedy and written quips (a string of celebrity themed puns are hilarious), this spin off adheres to the franchise's humour-formula of quantity over quality, but is so light in tone it's hard to begrudge it. The eponymous flightless seabirds – Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private – are as intrepid, idiotic and cuddly as ever, but are arguably better suited to stealing scenes at second fiddle rather than leading from the front for a whole movie. There's an underpinning message – don't underestimate the little guy – that permeates throughout the swift runtime, building up to a stock standard finale that skimps on laughs in favour of a moral payoff. Penguins lacks the adorability of Paddington, the exhilaration of Big Hero 6, or the intelligence of either, yet remains a decent option for families looking to waste a couple of hours during the school break.

They couldn't resist a penguins spin-off, given the (unexpected?) success of the Madagascar trilogy (and perhaps also happy feet), but in my view, this movie falls flat. The penguins are best as comic sidekicks, not leads. On the other hand, the kiddos both enjoyed it much more than I did.

And, speaking of show-stealing animals: the octopus villain was too creepy! American pop culture seems to have a love-hate relationship with these eight-legged marine creatures right now - see the much more positive depiction in Finding Dorie. This means a use of the

Sebastian's Rating: 10 Stars Sienna's Rating: 7 Stars Paul's Rating: 6 Stars.

It is funny all the way , never a dull moment . They managed to sneak in touching moments too . These penguins are wily & go-getters . Nobody can mess with them . Kowalski is tech support , skipper is leader (obviously) , rico is worker & private is sincere eager follower . They can and do outwit everybody . I remember in 'madagascar 3' where skipper said 'you only get one chance at first impression' after hippo lady could not break the door . Some people are saying it as hard selling and by-product of successful 'madagascar' franchise . But , this is thoughtfully scripted . Full entertainment for family . Dialogues are glib and mocking .

The movie was cute because it is the penguins. I saw the Madagascar movies and watch the penguins TV series. I liked it except for different voices for the movies and the TV series.The only constant voice and same character was skipper. The others looked different from the show. Another thing I do not like are the name innuendos. What point does it have? Just for laughs? I think they could have done with out that. It would have been nice if they would have tied it in with the TV series as they did a tie in for the Madagascar movies. How did they get all the gadgets for the TV series? They are supposed to be an elite squad, where are the gadgets?

Although the film wasn't really needed, it is absolutely brilliant. Benedict Cumberbatch is the best part of this movie. His acting is brilliant as always. I wouldn't mind seeing a spin-off about the origins of the North Wind, the spy agency that his character runs. It would be awesome. I was a bit hesitant that this would kill the Madagascar franchise like Shrek Forever After killed the Shrek franchise but I gave it a chance and it was great. Sorry, Pixar but I think Dreamworks will eventually knock you off the top spot as the best animation studio. I loved everything about this movie. It's perfect. Grade: A+ 10/10 5/5 stars