Given that the prime _Madagascar_ series is an average-at-best taste of mainstream family fare, you'd be forgiven for writing this one off. Side character spinoffs are almost always a sign of last gasps, of attempts to wring the last drips of juice from a brand that's already reached the end of the line. So it's with no shortage of surprise that I report this _Penguins_ movie is, actually, a bright, entertaining standalone.

On the run from an aggressive team of sinister octopi, and competing with an arrogant squad of big-budget secret agents, the titular black-and-white quartet clumsily uncovers and defeats a vile (if completely nonsensical) master plan. Another eight-tentacled beast is behind all the bad news: Dave, a brainy purple octopod voiced by a spry, show-stealing John Malkovich. He's a wonderful foil, colorful in more than a visual sense and incredibly flexible as a sight gag. With so many straight men in the main roles, _Penguins_ was bound to live or die by its comic relief. Whether he's juggling silly recurring puns or trying to unravel loopy plot threads, Malkovich makes sure his essential, mood-straddling part is a strength, not a liability.

He's the dash of spice that makes the recipe, although the CG team certainly pulls their weight. In that respect, Dreamworks has come a long way since their floundering first efforts in the early aughts. This looks polished and effortless, with dozens of well-executed comic/action scenes and a well-rendered cast of distinct, versatile original characters. It's not going to reinvent the wheel or anything, but by staying in its lane, carefully sharpening the axe and spotlighting a few key vocal performances, _Penguins_ has managed to improve upon the spirit of its parent series.