Happy Feet Review

Happy Feet's Plot

Happy Feet is a movie about penguins. They communicate their love for one another by song and that is the method they use for choosing a mate. That is how Memphis and Norma Jean hooked up in the beginning of the movie. They had a little penguin named Mumble, who turned out to be an oddball. He not only looked different from all the other penguins, he couldn't carry a tune either. This led to him being outcast and taking to the road.

Mumble meets up with another species of penguins and makes friends with a little group. They hang out together but Mumble decides that while he is on the road, he will also try and solve the problem of why there aren't as many fish in the sea as there used to be. 

My Thoughts on Happy Feet

This movie delivers a powerful message but in a long and drawn out way. The music and animation are well done. The supporting cast (voices) are all great and you can't help but tap along to the music. I think if the movie was shortened by 20 to 30 minutes it would have been much better.

There are several scenes that may be too frightening for younger children. It is also quite sad. You meet Mumble and can't help but like him. Then he is all alone. There are obstacles along his adventure in finding "aliens" and why there are not as many fish in the sea. Some may even find this movie depressing. Otherwise, this is a good film for all ages.

The animation is very good in this movie and the special effects are very well done. There are several scenes that bring the screen up close to you where you might find yourself jumping a bit in your seat.

The soundtrack for Happy Feet is outstanding and includes a great mixture of oldies and different types of music. You may enjoy the music more than the movie!

Cast & Movie Details

Carlos Alazraqui - Nestor (voice)
Lombardo Boyar - Raul (voice)
Johnny A. Sanchez - Lombardo (voice)
Robin Williams - Ramon/Lovelace (voice)
Elijah Wood - Mumble (voice)
Brittany Murphy - Gloria (voice)
Hugh Jackman - Memphis (voice)
Nicole Kidman - Norma Jean (voice)

Jeffrey Garcia - Rinaldo (voice)
Hugo Weaving - Noah the Elder (voice)
Elizabeth Daily - Baby Mumble (voice)

Rated: PG (a few scary scenes for younger children, rude humor))

Running Time: 108 Minutes

Recommendation

I'm glad we waited for this one on DVD. It is long and if not for the animation and music, I would have lost interest. However, it is good enough for viewing (at least once)!

Note:  I have posted a similar version of this review on Associated Content in 2007:  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/272451/penguins_are_the_stars_in_happy_feet_pg2.html?cat=40