HAPPY FEET

By: Lovey

Director: George Miller
Cast: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman
Rating: 4 out of 5

Seriously now, is there is anything cuter than a tap-dancing baby penguin who talks… with a lisp? I was lucky enough to score an invite to the Australian premiere of Happy Feet and when Mumble finally cracked his way out of his egg and declared “it’s fweezing” a collective “awwww” went up around the cinema and it was love at first waddle for every female and child in the theatre.

Move over Nemo, step aside Puss in Boots. When it comes to adorable, talking animals, you ain’t got nothing on Mumble and his mates!

With Happy Feet finally hitting DVD shelves, kids around the country will be tap-tap-tapping with glee! The characters are not only cute, but witty and side-splittingly funny (aren’t all talking animals these days?) and the animation is mind-blowing – heck it even won an Academy Award. The first few scenes with baby Mumble and the other infant penguins completely hooks you in, and it isn’t long before the brilliant blues and icy whites of the Antarctic to have you shivering in your seat.

While the environmental message is strong, it doesn’t overshadow what director George Miller has described as an “accidental musical”. Robin Williams as street-wise Ramon comes close to stealing every scene he’s in, and the soundtrack is an eclectic mix of 80’s hits and toe-tapping classics.

It’s basically a humorous cross between Moulin Rouge and March of the Penguins, and with it’s wit, charm and oh so cute penguins, Happy Feet is one of the best family DVDs of the year.

Extras: There’s an interview with George Miller  and two young Happy Feet fans on the single disc version, which is a very sweet idea. The two-disc version (only available in selected retailers) has music videos, behind-the-scenes features, making of features and loads more.

Verbatim:
Ramon: “Just a moment. I hear people wanting something… ME!”

In a word: Adorable