Madagascar and Chris Rock's Voice
Thursday, May 31, 2007




This little computer animation film, by Dreamworks, was a big hit when it was released in 2005. It made $195 million domestically (not that I care, this fact doesn't put money in my pocket).

I usually love watching computer animation films, especially anime (don't get me started on that topic).

I enjoyed it, but not as much as I should have.

And then I realized what it was: Chris Rock's voice gets on my nerves. Now, this is a guy I watched in "CB4." Yes, that film. Like him, I'm from Brooklyn, so I feel him on a number of subjects.

Movie actor he is not: the screech is not the kind of voice for conveying a range of emotions. Chris Rock lacks the comedic delivery and inflection of Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy. Even hot and sexy Antonio Banderas is funny (a la "Shrek").



It's an odd thing about Rock, because most comedians, when they want to be serious, are some of the best actors around. Eddie Murphy showed superb acting chops in "Dreamgirls." I hope he chooses more dramatic work in the future.

The person who did have the loveliest voice, which surprised me, was Jada Pinkett Smith. She should definitely lend her voice to a lot more efforts. It was really nice to hear her.

Labels: anime, Ben Stiller, cartoons, Chris Rock, comedies, comedy, computer animation films, Jada Pinkett Smith

posted by GoldenAh
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