Pop Culture Buzz

***1/2 STARS

Damn, I must come off as a sentimental fool with every cartoon feature review. I swoon over these chunky pieces of eye candy, and drool in amazement while viewing them. This movie is no different, actually it surpasses all other animated films I have seen in a long time. You must see this film, and in IMAX like I did.

From the get go this movie commands you sit there wide eyed at the vivid and life like images. And then the music kicks in, and you know this will be a fun ride. I actually sat up in my seat and said “wow” out loud during this film, I couldn’t believe the sharp and polished look of this film. From the expansive glaciers, to the realistic seals and killer whales this movie has created a bench mark for other animated films. No other cartoon in recent memory has evoked such awe and affection.

The characters and plot are your average family fare, but the execution is truly original. Elijah Wood voices “Mumbles” the tap dancing penguin, that skips to his own beat. But you see, in this world emperor penguins use their singing voice to meet a mate. From “Queen”, to “Prince” to disco hits, there are no original Randy Newman-esque tunes here, just good old fashion pop hits. “Mumbles” grows up without the talent like that of all of the other emperor penguins when they sing their “heart songs” to mate. His fancy foot tapping gets him in lots of trouble, and soon he is on an adventure to prove himself.

You would think that Robin Williams would make you cringe when hearing him do his voice over work, he has done this shtick so many times before. But, once again he delivers and delivers BIG. His narration does not take away from the images on screen. He is perfect in another role as “Lovelace” the smaller penguins guru, who by the way wears a 6 pack ring around his neck as if it were jewelry. And he does a remarkable job as “Ramon” the smaller penguin who runs with a colorful gang of crack ups.

Director George Miller, the mind behind “Mad Max” & “Babe” may win an animation award for best feature at next years Oscar’s. His script and remarkable vision is worthy of the prestige. I am still reeling from the magnitude and scope of the brilliant colors and details.

I think the eco-friendly message is subtle and honest enough that it helped drive the plot and gives kids a clear, real version of our actions as humans on earth. “Happy Feet” is not heavy handed or preachy, it is what it is. It is a love story set in a ever changing world, with a hero that has more spunk than most action movie stars today.