Happy Feet...toe taping fun.

This is an entertaining film for kids of all ages; equally as cool, the rest of the family members who accompany the little ones, will find it enjoyable & clever. Happy Feet is an animated story about the growing pains of a young penguin, Mumble, (voice by Elijah Wood), who is dropped “at birth” and appears to have suffered as a result; first, he is the only penguin that cannot carry a tune, let alone sing. Secondly, his feet are constantly in motion, as if he is tap dancing, deemed a peculiar mannerism by his peers & elders. He is essentially the outspoken ugly duckling of the community, that becomes an outcast. Mumble feels his only way to be welcomed back into the fold, is by saving “his people”, and to do so he must solve the mystery of their quickly diminishing food supply.

His father, (voice by Hugh Jackman), and mother, (voice by Nicole Kidman) do their best to be supportive, yet worry about Mumble & his choices. Fortunately for Mumble, he has a small, but loyal group of friends (most notable voice by Robin Williams) that appreciate his corky nature. He also has a crush on a young penguin, Gloria, (voice by Brittany Murphy); she finds him impetuous, yet sees his dancing abilities combined with her singing voice, make for a thrilling team. A team, that later will be influential in unifying their community, which is under attack by explorers and large fishing corporations. If you have seen March of the Penguins, you will appreciate that the migration and parental rituals are depicted authentically. GO SEE, Happy Feet, the music is moving, the storyline is smart, and the spirit of the film is inspiring. (108 minutes, PG)