The wild bunch from Madagascarstampeded into theaters last week, and audiences came out in herds for one of the summer’s most highly anticipated family friendly films! In the third installment, of Dreamworks ridiculously successful franchise, Madagacar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Melman (David Schwimmer) are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent, Madagascarstyle. I sat down with Pinkett Smith who talked about her beloved character “Gloria” and what folks can expect in this three-ring adventure!
So, what’s new in Madagascar?
We’re still trying to find a way not to go back to the zoo and find a way to keep our freedom. And, we join a circus this go around. So, Gloria gets to do a whole lot of dancing, and we meet a whole new set of characters, really fun characters.
What have you learned about “Gloria” that makes her so special now that you are so well acquainted with the character?
Gloria is optimistic and really fun and she’s adventurous. I kind of look at her as being the mother of the crew. When the boys get a little too out of line, or the boys are angry at each other, she’s the one who’s like, “Come on, come on, come on.” So, I really kind of feel that Gloria is the glue of the group and kind of an anchor.
And how do Gloria, Marty and the gang affect the circus?
What the zoosters bring to the circus is a fresh life. They bring new acts, new ideas, and they kind of bring some life to a circus that was pretty much kind of blah. So, I think, in that, it kind of inspires everyone even our characters [by] finding new talents and remembering and enhancing who they are. They create this fantastic show that’s just the best show ever.
All of your characters have really taken on a “life” of their own with people, kids and adults. What do you think is the overall appeal of this group?
We’re just old friends. People just see us as really relatable characters. I think that we’re just a group of funny, fun, jokers who you just enjoy going on a journey with. You just really love journeying with this group, because boy we have gone...we’ve journeyed! So, I really just think that we’re a great group of characters that you get to go on an adventure with.
Rumor is this is the best one yet. What makes this one extra special?
The thing that I love about all the Madagascar movies that we’ve done is they’re fun, and they also have a lot of heart. Our movies are always dealing with really simple central issues that basically are dealing with relationships and how one relates to themselves and the world which is relatable too across the board, whether you’re an adult or a child. I think that coupled with some pure fun...that’s entertainment!
So, load up the kids, or borrow a niece or nephew like I do, and check out Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. It’s wonderfully entertaining and safe for the whole family!
