Review of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

As a member of Crowdtap, I qualified to receive free tickets to an advance screening of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. The movie doesn't come out for another week, so I was especially excited to be an "insider" and see it early. I was offered only two tickets, which at first caused something of a conundrum. Which kid to take? However, it all worked out. Connor and I were due for some one-on-one time, so he got to be the golden child of the day. Don't feel too bad for my girls, though. My mom took them to a local street festival while we were at the movie, then Lucy had a birthday party and Bethany had a sleepover later in the day.

Chris sees advance screenings all the time, but this was my first. I had to drive 35 miles each way, so I was a little nervous about getting in since I didn't have a physical ticket of any kind. I knew from Chris's experience that they give out more passes than actual seats for these types of events. But I got to the theater 30 minutes early and had no problems. Everything went quite smoothly. The theater was packed, and we struggled to find a seat. Thank you, nice lady, for putting your little girl on your lap so Connor and I could sit together. Many seats were reserved for press that never showed up, and it would have been nice if they had opened those up at a certain point. But hey, we got seats, so I'm not complaining!

The circus afro song is still playing repeatedly in my head

Before the movie began, we heard a little spiel about there being a security team in the house,and we would be escorted out if we were seen using our cell phones for any reason. No checking the time, sending texts, etc. They weren't taking any chances of people sneaking a recording of the movie with their phones. Luckily I didn't see anyone get booted.

The movie was in 3D. I've seen 3D movies before at places like Disney World and the Detroit Science Center. But this was my first 3D movie in the theater. I wasn't sure I would like the 3D aspect of it, but it was really cool! It definitely enhanced the movie. I'm sold!

Connor and I laughed a lot during Madagascar 3. So did everyone else in the theater. It was funny, entertaining, and has a good story. I'll admit I even got a little weepy eyed at times. The cast is fabulous - including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Frances McDormand.

Without giving away too much, the crew from the zoo decides they want to leave Madagascar and return to the zoo in New York City. Along the way, they turn to a traveling European circus to help them make their dream come true, all the while eluding Captain DuBois, the psychotic animal control specialist. They have a lot of adventures, traipsing across Europe together, and learn quite a bit about what it means to be a friend.

I would definitely recommend Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. It's a great family movie, with plenty to keep the grown-ups entertained. I have no doubt that my girls are going to enjoy it too. I love when the movie people (in this case, Dreamworks) get it right. Finding a movie that is enjoyable for the whole family, yet also appropriate for every one of us, can sometimes prove to be a real challenge.

Are you planning on seeing Madagascar 3?