Happy Feet

Happy Feet

MPAA Rating: PG for some mild peril and rude humor.

Suggested Ages: 4+

Star Rating: 5 stars

Could there be anything sweeter than cute, cuddly penguins singing and dancing up a storm? I think not! This movie won the Truly Moving Picture Award at the Heartland Film Festival, and it's easy to see why.

Its the story of Mumble (Elijah Wood), an Emperor Penguin in Antarctica who can tap dance like there's no tomorrow, but can't sing a note. That's a real problem, because every penguin must sing a unique heart song to attract a soul mate.

Mumble's mom, Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman), thinks his dancing is awfully cute. In fact, she thinks he's perfect in every way. But his Dad, Memphis (Hugh Jackman), just shakes his head, saying, "It just ain't penguin." He blames himself for his son's differences because of a mishap when he was still in the egg.

As luck would have it, Mumble's one friend, Gloria (Brittany Murphy), happens to be the best singer around. The two pals have a connection from the moment they hatch, but she struggles with his "hippity-hoppity" ways.

Mumble just doesn't fit in, so Noah the Elder (Hugo Weaving), the stern leader of Emperor Land, ousts him from the community. Away from home for the first time, the unhappy Mumble runs into a posse of decidedly un-Emperor penguins – the Adelie Amigos. Led by Ramon (Robin Williams), the Latino-inspired group instantly embrace Mumble's cool dance moves.

For the first time, Mumble has somewhere to belong. He finds counsel in Lovelace the Guru (also voiced by Robin Williams), a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life's questions for the price of a pebble.

This is one of those rare movies that just works on all levels. The characters are fun and heartfelt, the animation is top-notch, and the voices are perfect in their roles. Robin Williams' over-the-top schtick keeps it from getting too serious.

What brings it all together is the variety of music, including rock, funk, opera, pop, gospel and Latin. One of Gloria's songs is an homage to Freddie Mercury with Queen's "Somebody to Love," which goes perfectly with the movie's theme.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. All the music is super, and the songs and dances never stop. Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover created the dance moves. It's like a Broadway musical – with penguins!

If you only see one more movie this winter, make it "Happy Feet".

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries.