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Penguins of Madagascar poster

Penguins of Madagascar

Movie 2014 92 min Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy Reviewed by Dan S · Checked 22 Mar 2018
Official Rating G ClearAge 8+

Why our age differs

Official is G. We nudge up to 8 because the action is loud and near constant, and the villain, a kidnapping plot, and monster transformations can be a lot for the youngest kids

What we flagged

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Violence
Mild
Frightening
Mild

Our take

Penguins of Madagascar turns four penguins into secret agents facing a vengeful octopus. Kidnapping, explosions, and near-constant cartoon action make it loud, though the tone stays silly and there is no strong language. Romantic jokes are brief. Most children around 8 and up who enjoy fast cartoons should be fine, with a parent alongside younger viewers for the tense parts.

Uplifting themes

The story leans on teamwork and on Private proving that being the small, overlooked one does not make you useless. Loyalty, family bonds, and valuing each other run steadily through the jokes The penguins and their North Wind allies keep working as a team even when egos clash, and Private grows in confidence. The characters are brave and loyal, if more about laughs than deep lessons

Story (may spoil tone)

Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Mild
Frightening
Mild

Details

Violence Mild The penguins dodge explosions, gadgets, and chases across the globe as…

The penguins dodge explosions, gadgets, and chases across the globe as the plot races along. It is pure slapstick with no blood or injury, but the action is loud and almost nonstop, including a big city set finale

Frightening Mild The octopus kidnaps penguins and transforms them into snarling creature…

The octopus kidnaps penguins and transforms them into snarling creatures. The monsters and a tense finale may briefly unsettle very young viewers

Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

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Talk after watching

  • Private feels like the small, overlooked one on the team. How does he show that everyone matters?
  • The villain acts out of a grudge. What do you think the story is saying about holding onto anger?

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