After the triumph of The March of the Penguins, WarnerBrothers realized that those cuddly Antartic animals will ultimatelyguarantee success. No one can resist the flightless birds as theywaddle through the icy terrain It's a simple fact. However, there is away to make penguins even more appealing, and as everybody knows, theonly thing better than penguins is dancing penguins. Both children andadults will enjoy the latest computer animated film Happy Feet.
This heart-warming story follows Mumble, an unusual emperorpenguin (voiced by Elijah Wood). The most important quality of Emperorpenguins is their ability to sing as each one has his own "heart song,"a song that acts as his identity. Two penguins are fated to be togetherif their heart songs compliment one another's. While you won't actuallyhear a penguin singing Prince or Elvis in the Antarctic, Emperorpenguins pick their mates by listening to each other's unique calls.
The opening scene of the movie shows the courting of NormaJean, a soft-spoken Southern belle-like penguin (voiced by NicoleKidman) and Memphis, a penguin form of Elvis (voiced by Hugh Jackman).While Norma Jean is fishing for the winter with the other femalepenguins, Memphis is nesting their egg.
Problems begin when Memphis losses his concentration and dropsthe egg. After the belated birth of their son, Mumble, it's easy tonotice his unusual behavior. Instead of waddling, Mumble tap-dancesaround the nesting ground. When he's asked by Memphis, "What you doingthere with your feet?" he quickly responds "I'm happy, pa. They'rehappy too!" His startling talent is unwelcome as they realize that hissinging voice is bad enough to shatter ice.
As a teenager, Mumble, an outgoing and passionate penguin,tries to overcome the teasing and prejudices against him from hiscommunity. With a deadly fish shortage, the elders led by theconservative-minded Scottish penguin Noah (voiced by Hugo Weaving),seek an explanation. They blame the problem on Mumble and force him toleave his family and his love, Gloria (voiced by Brittany Murphy).Mumble sets out to discover the truth to prove his innocence andabilities to everyone. The story will keep you wondering until the veryend, a rare quality in children's films.
The story and its characters are wonderfully adorable, andthere are many moments of hilarity. Robin Williams voices the twocharacters of comic relief, Raul, a spit-fiery Latin blue penguin, andLovelace, an overzealous rock penguin who preaches of mystic beings(humans) to his community. Lovelace, Raul and his clan of entertainingamigos help Mumble on his journey creating laughter along the way.
The music is wildly entertaining. The penguins sing and danceto everything from Prince to TLC. Be sure to listen closely to hear thenumerous songs that work in and out of each musical break. BrittanyMurphy, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman all show off their impressivevocal talents throughout the film. The teenage penguins celebrate theirgraduation with Queen's "Somebody to Love" while Mumble later practicesto Stevie Wonder's "I Wish." You'll leave the theatre singing andwanting to find the nearest record store to buy the album.
The computer graphics are also impressive. The expressionsshown through the penguins' eyes are amazing. Mumble even has ElijahWood's piercing blue eyes and slightly awkward build. The integrationof the computer-animated penguins with live human actors is originaland well done.
Though the film is technically a holiday movie, it is amust-see this season. Its heartwarming story, toe-tapping musicalnumbers and outrageously cute characters will set the upbeat mood forthe holiday celebrations. Happy Feet is a must-see for both young and old this winter. You'll want to put a dancing penguin on your gift list!
