Film: Happy Feet
Tagline
WARNING: May Cause Toe-Tapping
Plot
What do you get when you mix music and dance with adorable penguins? A very loveable movie about being different and then finding that different isn’t as bad as it seems. Mumble, also known as Happy Feet due to his constant need to tap his feet, was born different. He was the last to hatch out of his egg. From the moment his feet popped out, his father knew something was wrong. Penguins don’t dance, they sing. In class, poor Mumble was dead last since he couldn’t carry a single note.
After growing up, it’s noticeable that he will forever be outcaste from his peers. He looks different and he just can’t stop tapping those feet! This doesn’t top him though! Join Mumble on a journey to save his home, which is being threatened by “aliens” who are stealing fish and endangering the Antarctic region. His new friends will have you laughing! His journey will have you at the end of your seat. Get ready to sing and dance with Mumble and pals!
Acting
This is an animated movie with an all star cast doing the voices. Elijah Wood picked up the voice part for Mumble, the loveable toe-tapping penguin who teaches us it’s ok to be different from the rest. Elijah brought life to Mumble and helped create the attachment with his soft voice that holds strength in tough times. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman do the voices of Memphis and Norma Jean, Mumble’s parents. Jackman does a great Elvis-like impression and Kidman does a wonderful sultry voice for the loving mother. Brittany Murphy joins the cast as the voice for Gloria, the childhood crush of Mumble who is wanted by all because of her beautiful singing voice. Murphy actually does very well with her singing in the movie. One other big name worth mentioning from the cast is Robin Williams. He actually has three voice parts in the movie – Ramon, the hilarious Hispanic penguin who leads his 'gang', Lovelace the testifying penguin is really isn’t all that magical, and Cletus.
This movie, although it looks mainly for children, is highly recommended. The blends of different genres of music mixed with cute choreography now and then makes the movie stand out. Not only that, but the overall plot will attract many.
Verdict: Go see this movie at least once in theaters if you can. It made me laugh, gasp, and nearly cry. It’s an adorable movie with a message. The animation is lovely as well. I also liked how they mixed real life images in there once in awhile. Overall, delightful for all ages!