Europe’s most wanted

DreamWorks Animation has answered the call of the wild again as they bring us the third instalment of the Madagascar series – and boy are we glad they did as it’s the best one so far.

Alex the lion (Stiller), Marty the zebra (Rock), Melman the giraffe (Schwimmer) and Gloria the hippo (Pinkett Smith) are ready to leave Africa and return to their former home at Central Park Zoo in New York.

However, their plan to fly home with their old pals goes awry after they encounter top animal control officer/big game hunter Captain Chantel DuBois, who desperately wants a lion head for her collection.

Taking a circuitous escape route through Europe, they find the perfect cover – a traveling circus, which with a bit of luck will bring the group back full circle to the States. They just have to learn a few high-wire acts first.

Presented in 3D for the first time (and actually making good use of it for a change), Madagascar is an exercise in frenetic comedy and frantic action. The movie’s fast pacing, bright colours, dazzling circus acts, vigorous villain and new characters combine to make something quite special.

Funny, fast-moving and even touching at times – this is one of those rare movies that is magical for the whole family. Third time really is a charm.