Review of Happy Feet (2006) by Segumio. — 08 Dec 2006

I actually regretted taking my 5 and 4 year-olds to see this movie. There were several things I found rather disturbing about this movie. It had way too much sexual innuendos for a "kids movie".

I was glad my kids were not old enough to fully understand what was going on. There is a scene where a guru-like penguin named "Lovelace" retires to his quarters with a harem of females to..

. uh, read (I hope). I was also disturbed by the racial stereotyping. I would like to give the benefit of doubt to the producers and think that they were trying to show different ethnic groups tolerating each other and getting along in harmony.

But it just doesn't work in this movie. By having the shorter, less serious characters speak Spanish, this film actually does more injustice than good for the Hispanics. Many kids in that theater, including my own, were terrified when the sea lion and killer whales were chasing after Mumble in scenes reminiscent of Jaws.

Sometimes being too realistic is not the best in a kids' movie, especially when the characters are trying to kill another. These could have been done in a much less horrifying manner (e.g. Shrek, Nemo).

Seeing baby Mumble dance was cute for a while, but it gets tiring very quickly. Over half hour of singing and dancing scenes were a real challenge to sit through. The political statement they are trying to make is very poorly presented.

World leaders agreeing to ban commercial fishing in Antarctica only after seeing the penguins dance?!? I still don't get the connection. Are they suggesting that only because of this neat trick the species can perform, they deserve to be conseved? Are they not worth saving otherwise? Do yourself a huge favor.

Use the money to see another movie.