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"Madagascar" Soundtrack: A Vibrant Musical Journey

Album Overview.

The "Madagascar" soundtrack, released on May 24, 2005, by Geffen Records, complements the film's lively narrative. Hans Zimmer's compositions, alongside select tracks from various artists, enhance the movie's comedic and adventurous spirit. The album features a blend of original scores and popular songs, creating a dynamic auditory experience.

• Release Date: May 24, 2005.
• Genre: Soundtrack, Disco, New Age.
• Length: 31 minutes and 27 seconds.
• Label: Geffen Records.

Production and Reception.

Hans Zimmer, renowned for his versatile compositions, led the soundtrack's creation, with contributions from Heitor Pereira, James Dooley, and James S. Levine. The album includes Zimmer's adaptations, such as "Born Free," originally by John Barry. Critics offered mixed reviews, praising the energetic tracks but noting a reliance on familiar pop culture references. The soundtrack's eclectic mix mirrors the film's humor and adventure, resonating with audiences.

Critic's reviews.

Rafael Ruiz commented on the album's compilation of in-jokes, stating that while the songs are great, they serve primarily as humorous references. He highlighted Sacha Baron Cohen's rendition of "I Like to Move It" as a standout track, describing it as a deconstruction of the mid-90s house standard.
Soundtrack

Track Highlights.

1. "I Like to Move It" by Sacha Baron Cohen: A lively cover that energizes the film's dance scenes, performed by King Julien.
2. "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire: Infuses disco vibes, enhancing the film's party atmosphere.
3. "Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees: Adds a classic touch, aligning with the characters' escapades.
4. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong: Provides a soulful moment, reflecting the characters' awe of their new surroundings.
5. "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis: Used humorously during a slow-motion sequence, adding to the comedic effect.

Plot Summary for "Madagascar" (2005)

The animated comedy Madagascar tells the story of four animals from the Central Park Zoo in New York City who unexpectedly find themselves in the wild jungles of Madagascar. Marty, a zebra with a dream of freedom, escapes the zoo, prompting his best friends—Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo—to follow him.

After being recaptured, the group is sent on a ship to a wildlife preserve in Africa. However, the shipwrecks near Madagascar, leaving the animals stranded on the island. Initially out of their element, the zoo-raised animals encounter a tribe of quirky lemurs, led by the self-proclaimed King Julien.

As Alex struggles with his predatory instincts in the wild, the friends learn to adapt to their new surroundings and realize the value of their friendship. Through comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments, the gang finds their place in the untamed paradise.

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Main Characters

1. Alex the Lion

• The self-proclaimed "King of New York," Alex is the star attraction at the Central Park Zoo.


• Charismatic, confident, and used to a pampered lifestyle, he struggles with his instincts as a predator when faced with the realities of the wild.

2. Marty the Zebra

• A fun-loving and adventurous zebra who dreams of exploring the world beyond the zoo.


• Marty is the catalyst for the group's journey, and his optimism helps keep the friends united.

3. Melman the Giraffe

• A hypochondriac giraffe who constantly worries about his health.


• Despite his neurotic nature, Melman is loyal and brings comic relief to the group.

4. Gloria the Hippo

• A confident and sassy hippopotamus who acts as the voice of reason among her friends.


• Gloria is nurturing and protective, especially towards her closest friends.

5. King Julien XIII

• A flamboyant and eccentric ring-tailed lemur who leads the lemur colony in Madagascar.


• Known for his wild dance moves and catchphrase "I like to move it, move it," King Julien provides much of the movie's humor.

6. Maurice

• King Julien's loyal advisor, a more practical and grounded lemur.


• Often skeptical of King Julien's grand schemes but remains supportive.

7. Mort

• A small and adorably clueless lemur who idolizes King Julien.


• Mort’s antics often lead to laughs, and his obsession with King Julien's feet is a running gag.

8. The Penguins (Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private)

• A team of highly intelligent and resourceful penguins who are on a mission to return to Antarctica.


• Their covert operations and dry humor add an extra layer of fun to the story.

9. Fossa

• The wild predators of Madagascar who threaten the lemurs.


• Their menacing presence adds stakes to the animals' adventure.

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Madagascar is a lighthearted film with vibrant characters and hilarious moments that celebrate friendship and self-discovery in the most unexpected places.

Musical Styles and Themes.

The soundtrack blends disco, pop, and orchestral elements, reflecting the film's diverse settings. Tracks like "Hawaii Five-O" by The Ventures introduce surf rock, while Zimmer's compositions provide emotional depth. This variety mirrors the characters' journey from New York to the wilds of Madagascar.

Quotes.

"The album is simply a compilation of in-jokes."

Rafael Ruiz

"The one standout track on this album is the hysterical 'I Like to Move It' cover by Sacha Baron Cohen."

Rafael Ruiz

December, 30th 2024

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