Review of Happy Feet (2006) by Jamesl. — 30 Nov 2006

Happy Feet presents a synergistic combination of compelling visuals and a Broadway musical-quality soundtrack that sets it apart from other animated films in the last few years. I left the movie wishing to hear more of the Spanish adaptation of Frank Sinatra's My Way.

Like an Emily Bronte novel, just when it seems the movie is ending, a new plot develops and spares the viewers from wishing the movie would keep going. The plot twists can be disorienting, from child penguin outcast growing up to a celebratory homecoming to one penguin overcoming the odds to save his species from the human world.

The movie's message of Save the Penguins seems to be a natural outgrowth of the need for dramatic tension other than romantic love interest that characterizes nearly every other animated film in existence.

The main message seems to be that one talented and determined penguin can change the world, not that we should stop fishing in the the Antarctic. While some viewers may be disturbed by Happy Feet's play on stereotypes, part of this film's auditory delight is distinguishing the tones of tap dance, fabulous singing voices, and a multitude of dialects that include Latino American, Black American, Scottish, Eastern European, New York Italian, Jamaican, and young child.

Happy Feet is a delightful film. This reviewer is waiting anxiously for the release of the original soundtrack.