Here are the Mini Reviews from Cineman Syndicate for three films opening on November 7, 2008:

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA. Once again, a menagerie of not-so-wild animals tickles funny bones. This rapid-fire sequel to 2005's animated family flick sends four pals from the Central Park Zoo -- lion Alex (Stiller), zebra Marty (Chris Rock), giraffe Melman (David Schwimmer) and hippo Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) -- back to their "ancestral crib" in Africa. The romp boasts top-flight animation, music and voice work, plus those irascible aviator penguins and Sacha Baron Cohen's regal ocelot. Never mind that it makes few concessions to young viewers (without being inappropriate). They'll enjoy the ride and pop culture-savvy adults will be like cows jumping over the moon. (PG) GOOD ANIMATED COMEDY. Directors - Eric Darnell & Tom McGrath; Lead - Ben Stiller;  Running Time - 89 minutes.  Capsule review by John P. McCarthy.

ROLE MODELS. Both coarse and droll, this surprisingly satisfying comedy triggers various types of laughs when a sour misanthrope (Paul Rudd) and a doltish womanizer (Seann William Scott) are ordered by the court to mentor two tough cases -- a cheeky African-American kid and a geeky teen whose life revolves around a mediaeval fantasy game. For every bit of frat-house jocularity there's a quiet, off-the-wall moment to keep things grounded in co-writer Rudd's deadpan sensibility. The bare bones project doesn't overindulge in conventional sentiment and doesn't let its crudity get out of hand. Jane Lynch is hilariously on edge as the ex-addict founder of the charity Sturdy Wings. (R) GOOD COMEDY. Director - David Wain; Lead - Paul Rudd; Running Time - 99 minutes. Capsule review by John P. McCarthy.

SOUL MEN. The late Bernie Mac was a terrific comedian but never had much luck in the movie business. So it's a shame to report that his final completed feature is yet another missed opportunity. The rambling road-trip comedy casts Mac and Samuel L. Jackson as ex-singers in a Motown-style music group who reunite for one final show. While this may sound like a can't-miss premise, director Malcolm D. Lee proves unable to think of anything really funny for his two stars to do. Mostly they just stand around and insult each other. As a send-off for a gone-too-soon talent, it's definitely no Dark Knight. (R) BORING COMEDY. Director - Malcolm D. Lee; Lead - Bernie Mac;  Running Time -103 minutes. Capsule review by Ethan Alter.

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