I think what made this sequel work so well is the marvelous character animation, the fast-moving comedy, and sight gags with visual timing that recall the Looney Tune feel of the classic cartoons taking me back to my early years as a youngster.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa will surly please all the younger set by bringing their favorite characters back together for more fun and chuckles.

It's also pretty clear these big-city critters need to get back to their Manhattan zoo.

The original Madagascar wasn't that great, and this one is not as good as the original.

This animation sequel is pretty mediocre -- the plot moves on, but the characters remain the same.

They're still looking for true love, acceptance from their father, and acceptance from the herd.

But the tone is overly cute, appealing more to kids than adults.

And what about the penguins?

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is an animated kids' comedy that continues on where the last original one left off.

This time around, the lion and his zoo buddies attempt to make their way back from Madagascar to hometown New York, but crash-land an old, busted-looking plane with flying problems in Africa.

All four characters -- the lion, giraffe, zebra, and hippo -- use their time in Africa, the land of their ancestors, as an opportunity for personal growth.

The story is all over the place, but gratefully animated humor is a type where good joke writing can compensate for plot holes.