Happy Feet (2006)

This movie might have been good if it was devoid of all the divisive political undertones. I am all for saving the world, stopping the hate and riding the 'guilt wagon' into the sunset. But to have this as a regular menu item on all that is, "Hollywierd" or Disney – is just a reflection of youthful arrogance or aging culpability. Stop wasting my time and money preaching your personal views and opportunism. Sadly, the skill-levels of the visual artists involved in this effort, tower miles above the script writers, directors, producers and others influencing the content. Give us a break, please. Leave your politics at home and please stop trying to poison the well of children. That, I think, is more offensive than the strong sexual content within this movie. Don't get me wrong, sexual content (if you really can't write anything without it) can be fine - when it is skillfully hidden. In 'Happy Feet', it was not. I am sure the young will love this production, great – congratulations – you made your money. I used to be a fan of Disney films, but more and more, find them more repulsive than enjoyable. Most productions are not for kids anymore…unless their new intention is to divide youth form youth, or children from parents…I don't know. At this point, what difference does it make, I don't care. For this movie, I wish I could get this part of my life back. I will not see another Disney production unless I get positive feedback from a trusted source.

Even though the story is a little jumbled and the message is a little too obvious, the animation quality and incredible voice cast make this a treat for kids and their parents. The story is about Mumble, born into a colony of penguins that woo each other through song, but unable to sing himself. Instead, he knows how to tap dance, which makes him somewhat of an outcast. At the same time, the fish supply is dwindling. After being banished, he goes on an adventure to figure out why the fish are disappearing. If that description makes it seem like the plot is a little confused at times, that's because it is. The movie felt like a mash-up of two movies instead of one. The first half is about Mumble's attempts to fit in, while the second half goes into an almost preachy mode about humanity's impact on the environment. Still, the penguins are so charming that the kids probably won't mind and their are a wealth of singing and dancing sequences that are sure to put a smile on your face. Overall, while the story isn't the tightest and the environmental message might be a little heavy-handed, everything else about the movie screams quality entertainment, for kids and parents alike.

Rather enjoyable film with excellent animation. this is the story of Mumble a penguin who is rather unusual.. he can't sing whatsoever and sounds just god awful,, and he is ostrasized for it throughout the whole movie for it,, but to his credit he does have a talent for something that no other penguin in the land has... he can tap dance,, well that doesn't go over to well with mom and dad,, and the Penguin leader ,, the Penguin he grew up with she can sing,, and she tries to teach him but sadly to no avail It doesn't work,, so he and a few friends go on a journey seeking advice from an all knowing one,, then when he get's the answer that he needs he comes back home to see if he will be accepted by the girl,, his parents , and the rest of the Penguins.

Happy Feet made a big splash back in 2006 taking home the Animated Academy Award. For what it is, it's pretty delightful. I quite liked the initial story and it's semi-musical style, taking time out to sing a song or dance a dance. It's efficiently cute. Kind of strange for the first song to be a Prince song though it fits the context. The detail in the animation is terrific and they make the colour-less landscape really work. However, the film kind of feels surreal when humans get involved, known in the film as aliens, and it ends up quite heavy handed with its environmentalist themes. Granted, that kind of bigger picture message is inevitable in a kids film like this, especially when the big love story isn't really compelling and the outcast having an adventure is much more interesting. I do love the irony at the end where the film itself is now responsible for passing along its message. I wonder if it worked. 6/10