Escape to the movies with one of our Movie Review Friday selections. Each week we review a film with an environmental theme that’s currently in theaters or available on DVD. Seen a good eco-flick lately? Send us a short review and look for it in the next Movie Review Friday.
It's hard to believe that any creature could dislike an adorable, blue-eyed fuzzball who can’t stop dancing, but, unfortunately for Mumble, most of the emperor penguins in his rookery disapprove of him and the rhythm in his steps. Emperor penguins sing, not dance, to attract mates, and Mumble's voice does a better job of repulsing other penguins than wooing them.
But when fish become scarce, Mumble sets out to find the “aliens” (humans) he believes are responsible. Joined by Loveless, a rockhopper penguin caught in a plastic soda ring, and five boisterous “amigos,” he treks across Antarctica to appeal to the aliens' better nature.
When he finally reaches fishermen at work, Mumble is "enraged by their indifference." He follows their boat home, but ends up in a zoo without the chance for a conversation. On the brink of going brain dead with boredom in his cage, he begins to dance to a finger tapping on the glass. Suddenly, he has the aliens’ attention—and the opportunity to pull the penguins together to send a message about protecting the planet that humans can’t miss.
Though the film may contain one singing-penguin scene too many, it won an Oscar for being 2006's best animated picture. The animation somehow makes penguin choreography look realistic; most of the characters, played by big-name actors like Elijah Woods, Robin Williams and Brittany Murphy, are exceptionally lovable; and the movie succeeds in delivering Mumble’s planet-preserving message with class—and rhythm.
--Sarah F. Kessler
Happy feet is a great film. I ave been surfing around for more info on it.
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