Review of Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011) by Ryan M — 14 Mar 2012

*1/2 out of ****.

"Mr. Popper's Penguins" is a charming children's book that I'd recommend every parent openly advertise to their child, for the greater good of things. "Mr. Popper's Penguins", the film, is an unappealing - but inoffensive - children's film that I would nonetheless request most responsible parents keep away from their children unless they wish for them to go completely brain-dead. Yes, everything you feared was not in unnecessary paranoia; it's that bad.

What went wrong here? The film seemed so promising. It takes the story from the original book and puts it through the blender; which isn't necessarily a bad thing, or at least sometimes it isn't. Here, I guess it kind of is; since the changes made to this timeless tale are most definitely not for the better. It wants to be endearing, cute, and effective; but it lacks the basic intelligence to be any of the three. If you're looking for "family entertainment" of the lowest degree, you've found it.

While in the book, the titular Mr. Popper was a poor man; here, he is depicted as a rich and divorced realtor who is lost in his work, his life, and himself. Somehow, he still makes time for his kids on weekends. At his work, he's been given a difficult task; to purchase the Tavern of Green - which is a restaurant that he knows only through childhood memories.

But one day, his whole world is changed. He receives a box on his doorstep; and inside it is a frozen penguin, which soon defrosts and wrecks Mr. Popper's apartment. He's clearly annoyed by the little creature - seemingly on sight - and tries as hard as he can to get it out of his home, but no luck. However, when his kid's birthday comes around and the rest of the family must drop in for a quick visit; they fall head-over-heels in love with the penguin, as well as the many others that arrive.

What can I say? That's a premise that will most likely charm the audience it was made for. The penguins bring new possibilities into Mr. Popper's life - especially when they begin to reproduce - and at one point he even risks his job to complete that process. We can tell from the beginning where this story is going; he's going to start appreciating the winged rascals sooner or later; and trouble (in the form of a New York Zoo employee who specializes in penguin expertise) will try to break them apart just when things are looking up. If that doesn't sound too formulaic for you, then don't listen to whatever I've said thus far; or what I still have to say.

The kind of formula that comes with "Mr. Popper's Penguins" has proven itself somewhat worthy in the past; it can work, if the right director and screenwriters are attached to it, but virtually the only thing that this film gets right is the casting. Jim Carrey stars as Mr. Popper; and he seems happy enough to be present. He plays the role with natural quirkiness; but as usual, he takes it to extremes, to the point where it's almost flat-out disturbing that this grown man is acting so childish. Plus, the jokes he's given aren't the least bit funny; but that's no surprise coming from a guy who relies almost entirely on crude physical comedy and poop jokes. I guess some people find that appealing; but let me ask you, what's so charming about any of it?

The penguins come in an interesting mix of CGI animation and real-life birds. Sometimes, you can't even tell the difference, while other times you can. Regardless, there are a few moments where the penguins give it their all; providing the film with at least some merit, although all of it tends to diminish by the time Carrey dishes out the next rude, unfunny gag. In fact, Carrey pretty much ruins the film; he makes a few sexist, rude, and often times down-right stupid comments that transform what should be a pleasant family outing into a disaster. "Mr. Popper's Penguins" is as annoying as the pecking of penguins.