Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 2014

Kyle Smith, New York Post: This Morgan Freeman-narrated documentary doesn't stray much from the nature-doc formula of making its stars look frisky and winsome while sprinkling in a few info-nuggets about the critters (they're older than dinosaurs!). And that's just fine. Read more

Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal: This 3-D IMAX documentary puts its best paw forward with a funny and exuberant title sequence, followed by 40 minutes of phenomenal footage of lemurs in their native habitat of Madagascar. Read more

Justin Chang, Variety: A serviceable Imax 3D nature documentary that duly meets the requirements of the form: majestic and intimate outdoor imagery, a grave yet reassuring lesson on the importance of wildlife preservation, and a short-and-sweet 40-minute running time. Read more

Kevin McFarland, AV Club: Part sumptuous IMAX documentary, part fervent but dull conservationist pitch, Island Of Lemurs seems destined instead for an obscurity all too familiar to nature films not released by Disneynature. Read more

Tom Russo, Boston Globe: No matter which variety the film is spotlighting, they have a power to fascinate. Read more

Nancy Churnin, Dallas Morning News: The animated lemurs make kids laugh in Madagascar, but the real-life ones in Island of Lemurs: Madagascar should enthrall and inspire even the youngest. Read more

Martin Tsai, Los Angeles Times: Even at a meager 40 minutes, the film feels padded. Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: If you don't already love lemurs, you will after taking this brief but illuminating tour of the exotic primate's island home off the African coast. Read more

David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer: It's the human element in Island of Lemurs: Madagascar that disappoints. Read more

Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com: "Island of Lemurs: Madagascar" accomplishes a great deal in its 40-minute running time, entertaining and educating us while delivering a message about preservation that's clear without being heavy-handed. Read more

Raju Mudhar, Toronto Star: The film is an equally fun and sobering look at the lives of these animals, along with the evolving efforts to try and save this distant cousin of humans. Read more

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post: The technology impressively embraces the audience, putting us in the middle of the rain forest, face to face with curious, beady eyes. Read more