It is rare that a sequel (much less an animated one) outshines its predecessor. DreamWorks latest offering Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is one of the few that does. Not to say that this film is unforgettable or that it has much long-lasting profundity—it certainly does not. But what it does offer is an hour and a half of light-hearted enjoyment that is long on crackling one-liners, fast-paced action, and just enough emotional resonance.

The film opens with our familiar friends from the first film trying to get back to New York via a crudely restored plane launched by a slingshot. Led by the flamboyant performance-loving lion Alex (voiced by Ben Stiller), wise-cracking zebra Marty (Chris Rock), sassy Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith), and confidence-challenged Melman (David Schwimmer), the journey "home" is sidetracked when the plane crash-lands in a luscious nature reserve the likes of which this group has never seen. To the soaring strains of "Born Free," the domesticated zoo-dwellers feast their unbelieving eyes on a sight they have never seen: animals just like them living in the wild.

A sense of familiarity overcomes Alex as he realizes that this is his birthplace and that he is the long-lost son of the local pride chief, Zuba (the late Bernie Mac). A touching reunion with his father and mother (Sherri Shepherd) opens that path for Alex to be in line to succeed his father's throne... only for it to be stymied by the evil Makunga (Alec Baldwin relishing his usual slimy bad-guy role).

Comic relief is added by the hyperactive lemur King Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen—very nice!) and his sidekick Maurice (Cedric the Entertainer). The human element is provided by a band of safari-exploring tourists led by an ultra-aggressive grandma (Elisa Gabrielli) who brings a taste of New York toughness to the savannah.

In the midst of the goings-on and the all-too-familiar clichèd conclusion, there are a few elements of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa that elevate it slightly above just your run-of-the-mill animated throwaway. Alex and his counterparts realize that they are not just a group of individuals but are part of something bigger than themselves—a community. Alex finds his long-lost family and through that a clearer picture of who he is. Marty, Gloria, and Melman all discover that they are not so unique—there are herds of others who look just like them. It is only when connected to a group that they find a sense of purpose and meaning that they did not know when they thought they were the only ones who looked like they do. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "welcome to the pride."