I like most of the animated movies that have been coming out lately, but I honestly got bored watching this.

I kept watching for Private and Skipper relationship. Otherwise it's a very boring movie, with few funny jokes, a predictable plot and boring new characters.

The Penguins of Madagascar are probably my favorite collection of modern animation's current crop of characters. Yeah, there's Spongebob and Minions, but for me, this crack squadron of penguins are the most enjoyable. Skipper is voiced absolutely perfectly and leads his special forces penguins expertly, which is so ridiculous that the concept itself makes me laugh. This latest movie seems like a last ditch effort to squeeze a few dollars out of the fearless foursome. It's an entertaining enough adventure and the addition of The North Wind, led by Benedict Cumberbatch, is inspired. But this movie is just a little too cute and the villain, Dr. Octavius, is bland. I need to admit to watching this without the accompaniment of children. I think it may have dampened my enthusiasm some, but there's nothing that makes this latest adventure stand out.

Given that the prime _Madagascar_ series is an average-at-best taste of mainstream family fare, you'd be forgiven for writing this one off. Side character spinoffs are almost always a sign of last gasps, of attempts to wring the last drips of juice from a brand that's already reached the end of the line. So it's with no shortage of surprise that I report this _Penguins_ movie is, actually, a bright, entertaining standalone. On the run from an aggressive team of sinister octopi, and competing with an arrogant squad of big-budget secret agents, the titular black-and-white quartet clumsily uncovers and defeats a vile (if completely nonsensical) master plan. Another eight-tentacled beast is behind all the bad news: Dave, a brainy purple octopod voiced by a spry, show-stealing John Malkovich. He's a wonderful foil, colorful in more than a visual sense and incredibly flexible as a sight gag. With so many straight men in the main roles, _Penguins_ was bound to live or die by its comic relief. Whether he's juggling silly recurring puns or trying to unravel loopy plot threads, Malkovich makes sure his essential, mood-straddling part is a strength, not a liability. He's the dash of spice that makes the recipe, although the CG team certainly pulls their weight. In that respect, Dreamworks has come a long way since their floundering first efforts in the early aughts. This looks polished and effortless, with dozens of well-executed comic/action scenes and a well-rendered cast of distinct, versatile original characters. It's not going to reinvent the wheel or anything, but by staying in its lane, carefully sharpening the axe and spotlighting a few key vocal performances, _Penguins_ has managed to improve upon the spirit of its parent series.

Penguins classic, nothing to add :)