Ben Stiller has paid tribute to his late "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" co-star Bernie Mac.

Ben - who reprises his role voicing Alex the lion in the animated sequel - says Bernie, who recorded his lines as Alex's father Zuba before his untimely passing in August aged 50, is the "core of the movie."

Jada Pinkett Smith says working with husband Will Smith puts a strain on their marriage.

The actress - who has two children with Will - asked the actor to direct her scenes in upcoming movie "The Human Contract," but admits the request led to tension in the family.