Review of The Pebble and the Penguin (1995) by Jakki J — 01 Mar 2008

I love many Don Bluth animated features, but this was a poorly made film. Even for its time the animation is pretty cheap and the characters are strange looking. Penguins with teeth? Martin Short is annoying as the shy and stuttering lead, Hubie.

Even Tim Curry was cringe-worthy as the Gaston-like villain, Drake! The supporting characters, Rocko and Marina were the best but they don't carry the whole film. The music was written by Barry Manilow and is frankly quite cheesy.

It just doesn't work here as it does in other films like Elton John with the Lion King, Bryan Adams with Spirit and Phil Collins with Tarzan. There are a few chuckle worthy scenes and some decent action that would perhaps appeal to small children.

I was overall disappointed though.