D.C. MOVIE GUYS

MOVIE REVIEW: “HAPPY FEET”

The animated “Happy Feet” is a great deal of fun for kids of all ages. A kind of mix of “Moulin Rouge” and “March of the Penguins,” the movie follows the adventures of a tribe of penguins who sing songs to each other to kind their life long mate. From the time their little ones hatch out, they’re encouraged to sing. But Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) doesn’t have a song. He expresses his emotions by doing something un-penguin: he dances. This makes him an outcast as he grows up and soon he’s off to find his place in the frozen world.

His search leads him into an even greater adventure to save the future of his fellow Arctic creatures. Directed by George Miller, of “Babe” and “Mad Max” fame, the movie has a delightful sense of humor and whimsy highlighted by Robin Williams’ voice work as a mystical penguin guru. Another charming element is the use of a number of recognizable pop tunes, from Prince’s “Kiss” to Queen’s “Someone To Love.”

Along with fine vocal and singing performances by Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Brittany Murphy, the film offers a thoughtful plea for international cooperation for preservation of the natural world. And the film’s computer animation is simply breathtaking.

MPAA RATING:lPG but contains no offensive material
JOE’S RATING:FOUR STARS.

Related Reading:

Short History of the Movies, A (10th Edition)

Juno Music From the Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Art of Watching Films with Tutorial CD-ROM

100 Modern Soundtracks (BFI Screen Guides)

The Film Encyclopedia 6e: The Complete Guide to Film and the Film Industry