The Penguins of Madagascar

MPAA Rating: PG for mild action and some rude humor.
Run Time: 92 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So today we decided to go and see Dreamwork Animations' The Penguins of Madagascar, the spin-off to their very popular Madagascar serious.  The film focuses on Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private, the four greatest and hilarious penguins, in the global espionage business.  They seek world domination.  When a mad scientist Dr. Octavius Brine decides he wants revenge against all penguins for destroying his career,  This leads our four famous penguins to team up with the undercover organization The North Wind led by Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch).  The two very different teams must learn to work together and trust each member of their crew or the lives as penguins that they know it will be changed forever.
So I was expecting much more out of this film than it actually provided.  I am a huge fan of the Madagascar series and in those movies I always thought the penguins to be funny, however unfortunately for them they can't really hold their own when it comes to their own film.  Though the film isn't the greatest animated film of the year, it still has its moments.  At the very beginning of the film when it shows the origins of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private is one of the greatest moments in the film.  Unfortunately it takes a nosedive once it jumps forward to the proceeding plot.  There is just so much for that they could have done with the show, that it was just disappointing to see what was on the screen in front of me.
However, though the plot of the show was way out there and the film was very clever with its inclusion of popular culture.  In fact there was probably a good two minute dialogue where the characters used actual actors names in order to proceed through the plot.  I have to admit I was impressed by it.
Overall, the movie is just ok.  There are definitely better things to watch out in the theaters, but the kids will enjoy this film.  If they enjoyed the Madagascar films, then they will like this.  This film probably won't interest parents as much as it will kids, but it definitely won't be the worst thing you see all year.