Expecting a grand finale for the seemingly last chapter of the story that engaged everyone around the world, Dreamworks delivers once again with an extravagant show full of color and exotic locations that will thrill both kids and adults alike.
After the penguins flew off to Monte Carlo, Alex (voiced by Ben Stiller) is growing anxious about staying in Africa for the rest of his life and wants nothing more than to return to the zoo where their journey began. With his loyal friends Marty (voiced by Chris Rock), Gloria (voiced by Jada Pinkett-Smith), and Melman (voiced by David Schwimmer), Alex concocts a plan to travel to Monte Carlo and get the penguins to fly them back to New York. With King Julian (voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen), Maurice (voiced by Cedric the Entertainer) and Mort (voiced by Andy Richter) travelling with them, the plan doesn't exactly go according to plan when they stumble into a casino and run for their lives to get to the airplane which is waiting for them. The authorities are informed of their presence in the casino and an animal control unit is setting out to find them. Little do they know that the head of the animal control is a crazed woman who is almost bionic in the way she tracks these animals, and she targets the lion as her next prize to be placed up on the wall of other animals she has caught. With their lives as well as their chances of getting home at stake, the group must stick together to avoid the dangers that are hounding them from all directions. As if out of spite, the plane then crashes and the animals must find another medium of travel but they are hopeless in their pursuit. Luckily they stumble upon a circus train where other animals including a tiger, sea-lion, and jaguar let them aboard on account of believing that they are circus animals too. The group then learns that the circus is destined to travel to New York if a promoter likes their act and after witnessing their first performance, decide to reinvent their style and rejuvenate their passion for performing. Alex also learns about the glorious past of the circus and the rise and fall of their star performer, Vitaly the Tiger. We have no doubt that they will get to their desired destination, but will they realize the joy of performing and how their perspective has changed since they left the place where they thought they'd be happy?
Despite including the same characters who we have grown to love and cherish, the storyline does take a bit of a swerve in a different direction compared to the previous two installments. In the alleged final chapter of the group's worldwide adventure, the plot focuses a bit more on the background and struggles of the newly introduced supporting characters as opposed to the group's journey back home and I think it is rather considerate of the animators to create a prominent plot about the circus' journey and tradition. For all those who were a fan of the tough granny from the first two films in the series, you will be a bit disappointed on account of her absence in the plot, but as a replacement, you get another uncanny villain who has a bit more substance to her character. The soundtrack used in the film was quite modern and dynamic compared to the previous two films and added a bit more energy and a sprightly flavor to the whole production for a genuine European vacation a la Americano. My favorite parts of the film would have to be the stunningly beautiful scenery featured in their preparation for a new show, and of course the luminous neon display in their performance to entice the promoter to take them to the USA. Beautifully balanced by the dark undertones and the beautiful neon colors, it ranks right up there in the most memorable animation moments and can be compared to the "Elephant Tango" in the Disney film, Dumbo.
Out of the three, this fun-fest has got to be the most inspirational. I applaud their effort for showing kids that teamwork and an overall amicable atmosphere is an important factor if you want to succeed. It is never a one man show, so if you are offered an aid, you must always reach out for it, especially when the aid is offered by those who you trust.
I also noticed a nuance of the rise and fall that some celebrities and other renowned personalities endure especially actors and performers. Vitaly's back story has a lot to do with the phenomenon when someone sets the bar too high and falls straight down to their demise as a result of their arrogance and arbitrary mindset. They think they're so invincible just because of their high status in society, that they forget there are boundaries even if others think their ideas are irrational. Sometimes, this kind of restlessness and zeal can be a sign of future success, but other times it could turn out like the legend of Icarus and his ill-fated journey to the sun.
Passion was also a big influence in the story, with the circus in decline because of their loss of dedication and excitement to bring happiness to the crowd as well as their own souls. The longing and desire have been swept away, and now with the presence of the Americanos, it's time that they replenish their energy and reincarnate the enthusiasm and ambition that kept them at the top for so many years beforehand. It is a story of finding your inner-self and letting your true colors shine through for the rest of the world to see, and I think that it is most needed at this time in American history when people are losing hope and discouraged from showing who they are and their true potential.
Attention boys and girls of all ages! This is one of the most uplifting, quirky and fearless animation efforts presented in years, so if you count this as a disappointment, I don't know what you count as entertainment. It doesn't get any better than this for a family friendly day out and I believe it is a winner not only for the company, but for all the folks out there looking for a sweet getaway with a tinge of motivation.
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