Review of The Pebble and the Penguin (1995) by Bethany C — 29 Jul 2009

The Pebble and the Penguin was one of my childhood favourites when I was 9 years ago, and while it doesn't wow me as much now at 17, it still has a special place in my heart. I find it a charming and beautiful film, yes with flaws. It is not Don Bluth's best, that's Secret of NIMH, but it's certainly not his worst, that's Rock a Doodle.

The first flaw I had with Pebble was the animation of Drake, the way they animated him was rather wierd to put it bluntly, and sometimes Drake came across as rather annoying. My second flaw was Good Ship Misery, sorry guys the singing was horrible in that song, shouting and screaming honestly isn't singing. Another minor criticism is that it is probably too short.

Putting the flaws aside, the animation is mostly good, with the killer whales scene a definite highlight. Apart from Good Ship Misery, I had no problem with the songs. I actually found them quite charming, especially Now and Forever and Sometimes I Wonder. Though what made the film was the talented voice cast. I have heard complaints that they were racist, but I disagree wholeheartedly. Martin Short voices Hubie with such conviction, and with a hilarious characterisation of Rocko, James Belushi steals the show. Annie Golden made me cry with her beautiful singing voice and Marina is so beautiful, and Tim Curry voiced Drake beautifully, if strongly reminiscent of Jenner. I liked the story, while slow moving, it was sweet, like the film itself, and I had no worries about Rocko flying. Look what happened in Dumbo, which I admit was a better film, but I do really like Pebble and the Penguin, and do honestly think it's one of the better Don Bluth movies, if not his best.

Rating out of 10: 8.