Madagascar 3 and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

This weekend, I had a chance to sit down and watch Madagascar 3 with the family. Like me, my oldest daughter at 6 years old didn't particularly love the first Madagascar and we both didn't care for the second Madagascar but we at least were willing to try out another run on the series. I always get at least one good laugh from the Madagascar films with such comedy talent as Ben Stiller and Chris Rock providing the main vocal talents. I believe that they don't use their natural comic instincts enough in the films but that would probably be a completely different film.

Madagascar 3 starts out with the group of friends in Africa wishing for their comfy lives in the Zoo of New York City. They create a plan to get back to New York and soon are traveling around Europe. The main way of getting back ends up being to join a circus and get a contract to put on a show in New York. It's an interesting plot and at least doesn't seem forced - the characters all seem to naturally want to go this way and so it works.

I was impressed by this third outing and found myself enjoying the many different locations and events that unfolded as they bounced around desperately trying to get home. Some very well executed action sequences and fantastic comedy bits mixed to provide the best Madagascar film of them all.

My daughter also enjoyed it with a lot of help from some 'Afro Circus' shenanigans. It was by far her favorite part. So, after going into it with low expectations, I have to recommend this funny and entertaining film.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

This one comes out on DVD on Tuesday, June 12th at Movie House and is a much better film than the first one. The story, action and characters are much more developed and keep the pace quick and light. This time, Sherlock Holmes is tracking the doings of a man that is most dangerous and somehow Watson gets roped in. Which is a great thing, as the dialogue between Holmes and Watson is one of the best and most entertaining parts of the film. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprise their respective roles for the sequel and make good use of an established relationship.

Overall, the movie does have some slow bits but it more than overcomes this with its excellent visuals and action pieces. The story is a bit reaching and probably is the reason it has a few slow bits. Without giving away anything, the story heavily revolves on consistent use of running around figuring out clues that take us to new clues that eventually land us in the final showdown. While this is a good way of moving the story along, there may have been one too many clues and quite possibly could have cut one whole bit to shorten the flick from its 2 hour run time and kept the pace just a bit quicker.

I enjoyed Sherlock quite a bit and have already watched it at Cinema 3 when it first came out and now again, on DVD. I'll probably end up watching it again sometime as the film is decent on repeat viewings with the fantastic lead performances.

Madagascar 3 is out at Cinema 3 right now and they will be converted to 3D by this weekend so you can catch this great flick in 3D! If you haven't tried 3D - this is a great opportunity to experience this wonderful new viewing experience. Check them out online for more showtimes at www.fridleytheatres.com Next week, we've got Rock of Ages!

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, A Little Bit of Heaven and Too Big too Fail are all new releases this week at Movie House. You can also check out the original Sherlock Holmes and Madagascar films as well. Movie House is located at 220 West 1st Street and you can find more info at www.facebook.com/moviehousemccook

Next week, we've got Big Miracle, Project X and Wanderlust.