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Interviews: Cast of Madagascar 2

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is, in many ways, the perfect sequel. Not only did the original cast return for Round Two, but some fantastic newcomers join the zootastic fun. Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cedric the Entertainer, and David Schwimmer have all reprised their hilarious roles from the first film. They also welcomed Sherri Shepherd, Alec Baldwin, and the late Bernie Mac into the fold for this raucous romp. This time the action goes down in Africa, and the animators created a stunning replication of the Savannah in hypnotic CGI. It's the perfect backdrop for these performers to paint over.

Director Eric Darnell describes the aesthetic vision for the sequel best: "Even though we have a very tangible world that you believe in for Madagascar 2, it's still a very stylized world in so many ways. You have that grass blowing in the Savannah, but when you get down to it, it's designed. The little flowers on those blades of grass are beautiful graphic designs. We approached the whole film that way. That's the great thing about animation. Its goal is not to duplicate reality, but take us to an alternate reality." It's an alternate reality that's more than worth delving into for its laughs and gorgeous visuals.

ARTISTdirect.com spoke to key cast members about becoming these rich characters and once again breathing life into the world of Madagascar.

Chris Rock

Ben Stiller

Jada Pinkett Smith

David Schwimmer

Cedric the Entertainer

Sherri Shepherd



—Rick Florino
11.03.08