The title was perfectly fine for the first movie, but baffling and ridiculous for subsequent entries in the franchise.
You have to keep labelling these movies where the characters (who were raised in New York) travel around the world, as "Madagascar". And it's never more awkward and confusing when they refer to "The Penguins of Madagascar".
It seems like terrible planning, but then I don't think it's hurt the box office at all, so I'll shut up.
And it's never more awkward and confusing when they refer to "The Penguins of Madagascar".
...and how is this, pray tell, so confusing?
They have a very successful series since 2008 (on Nick) with the same title. At that time, 'Madagascar 2' came out the same year, so it was only fitting to call them "Penguins of Madagascar" since they were coming fresh from the movie titles of the same name.
That's 6 years they've had a show (although only 3 seasons extremely spread out), and now they're finally making a full movie on it.
So how is the title so confusing, exactly?
Anyone who is a fan, knows of this franchise.
Anyone who doesn't, they're not catering to.
Because it doesn't take place in Madagascar, nor are the titular penguins from Madagascar (I think they're all native New Yorkers, with one British penguin for some reason) It is, obviously, connected to the hugely successful film called Madagascar, but that's the only connection. That's like naming the show Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D "Agents Of Iron Man" because that's where the lead character, actor and organization first appeared* and came to everyone's attention. And producers generally try to have a little flair and not be too on the nose. I'm sure the creators would prefer a kids show title that didn't sound like a nature documentary, but they painted themselves into a corner with that title for the first film.
*First appeared in its recent Marvel Studios film/tv universe, not "first appeared" ever.
You're right, thing is these days movie studios will always put getting attention as the priority for titles, ahead of making sense. Other stupid titles include Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Karate Kid.
shareI don't agree with your opinion on Rise because at least Rise made sense--but I get Karate Kid. Ugh. They didn't even use karate in the freaking movie.
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Really? It's that hard to say a couple words more for a title? Personally, I just say "Hey look! The Penguins are on!" because my family knows who they are and what their show is about. They were raised in New York, granted, but it's a spin-off series! You can't just call it "The Penguins" because it's just saying their species. These guys are special and have their own title. The only penguins to ever go to Madagascar. Shortly, The Penguins of Madagascar.
share[deleted]
Do you have down's?
shareWhat would you say if a prequel to the Rocky movie was to come out and it would be called Apollo? I'd say it makes sense. I think this being called "Penguins of Madagascar" is perfectly okay because it is referring to the characters and not Madagascar (the country).
shareI was about to post just this LOL
shareYou're wrong. While the title "The Penguins of Madagascar" is indeed clumsy, it's also an ESTABLISHED title through the TV show. That outweighs any clumsiness.
shareWhen they say "Penguins of Madagascar" they mean penguins from the movie franchise Madagascar and not the country.
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