Review of Happy Feet (2006) by Rev.r. — 11 Dec 2006

Yes, this movie is an overtly pro-environment film. Some have even extracted from its message a secondary message that is treated with equal relevance: a request that we practice tolerance toward those who are different.

If they are accused of "extracting" this message as an aside, then the charge is akin to a dentist spotting a broken molar and saying, "It's no big deal. I'll get to it when I first rid your mouth of pollutants with a good cleaning.

" Miller makes this a major issue in the flim. As a clergyperson I acknowledge that the dynamics that operate within and define a faith-based community are portrayed as the birth-mother of intolerance.

The scene in the movie portraying a destructive community that exercised no care for Sir Elton John's Circle of LIfe even employs the image of a church standing high above the remains of the apathetic community.

Is it a fair critique? Herein lies the value of such films: it operates on the assumption that we are intelligent, thinking people who can take criticism and determine its truthfulness and validity. Along with the large number of people in faith-based communities who feel no threat from beliefs that challenge our own, I welcome the challenge.

For all who believe the enviornment is the type of issue that addresses the ability of the children in the theater to survive; and, that tolerance for those who tell us "I wish I could change but I cannot" is also important for our survival as humans who intentionally nurture and value the spiritual resource of compassion.

Miller refuses to let us bury our heads in the sand (or snow). Now, while I am wrestling with the political and faith-based assertions regarding human destiny, the film presented my 3 year old granddaughter with a simple, entertaining story that is, on her level, a new twist on the "ugle ducking.

Thank you George Miller for "layering" this movie for young and old, people of faith and those struggling with doubt, and people who embrace this opportunity to revisit their political views.

And George, thank you for one heck of a soundtrack! I can understand (no, I can try to understand) why some will devalue this move for not going far enough, or for going too far in a chldren's movie, etc.