By ALEX PARRISH
A free preview of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” will be shown at Jordan Commons in Sandy on Sat. Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. All BYU students and faculty are invited to attend. Free tickets are available at D581 HFAC. The tickets will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is the follow-up sequel to the 2005 hit “Madagascar,” featuring Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer. The film follows the four friends in their attempt to escape from Madagascar to New York. The plan is derailed when their make-shift plane falls apart, landing them in the heart of Africa.
Tom McGrath, who helped write and directed both “Madagascar” and this new installment, said “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is funnier than the first film and has more heart. McGrath said while the new movie goes deeper with its four main characters, it focuses on Alex’s character, the zebra, and his struggles to conform to his new surroundings. Other relationships facing problems are Melvin, the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo, as Melvin realizes he has feelings for Gloria.
“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” has a variety of new characters, including Bernie Mac’s final animated performance as Alex’s father. Andy Richter, Alec Baldwin and Sacha Baron Cohen also lend their talents to the film. Tom McGrath plays the penguin character Skipper. Will.i.am, from the Black Eyed Peas has a cameo in the movie as Gloria the hippo’s love interest, Moto Moto, which means “hot, hot” in Swahili. Will.i.am also wrote a song which will be featured in the movie.
Jordan Commons is located off exit 293 on State Street in Sandy.
