Merry Madagascar (2009)

*** (out of 4)

Fun short has Santa Claus being shot down on an island and is struck with amnesia. Not being able to deliver the presents, the Madagascar gang offers to do it for him because not only do they want to save Christmas but they too want to get back home. This isn't the greatest film ever made but if you enjoyed the features then it's probably a safe bet that you're going to enjoy this. I think the producers made a very good choice in making this a short because there's no way the story could have supported a feature of its own. I think there are some very interesting ideas and jokes scattered throughout the film, although at the same time I will admit that not all of the jokes work. I think the highlight of the film is when Santa's reindeer get ready to do battle with the penguins because originally Santa was doing his business from the South Pole. This was a smart and funny joke that's clearly the best moment of the film. Other highlights include the gang trying to deliver gifts and the first house and its accident is certainly funny. At just around 20-minutes the film moves along well enough and is worth watching during the holidays.