OK for kids 5+
Ultra-cute kid flick has a few scary, emotional moments.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that kids will definitely want to see this appealing animated film. The movie includes themes of humans intruding on natural habitats but avoids the heavy-duty questions of how to solve the problem. Some of the chase sequences and elephant seal scenes might be scary for younger kids. Also, racial stereotypes come into play: Latin-inspired penguins are caricatured as party-loving animals, and an African-American-type penguin comes across as an oversexed, fundamentalist preacher. Still, the movie's themes of social acceptance and embracing your own uniqueness shine through.
- Families can talk about how to accept and embrace each person's unique qualities. What makes Mumble different from the other penguins? Do you think it's hard for him to pursue his dream even when the others think it's weird?
- Why do some people think that everyone should conform and "fit in"? Has there ever been a time when you didn't feel like you fit in? How did that make you feel?
- How can people's individual abilities benefit their community and the larger world?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids are likely to pick up some "talking points" about conservation and environmentalism. They'll also learn the importance of being true to yourself.
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Messages: Despite the fact that the main character is initially ostracized for being different, ultimately, the message of embracing your own uniqueness shines through. The movie also has strong environmental messages and themes.
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Role models: A young penguin stands out from his flock because he's different. He tries to compensate for his "handicap" by doing something (dancing) that sets him apart from the others, but they still treat him poorly for his weirdness -- though they eventually sing another tune. On the other hand, there's some stereotyping.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: The penguins are attacked by scary elephant seals. They must face cold and blizzards.
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Sexy stuff: The penguins must sing a unique "heart song" to find a mate. Mumble bumps into another penguin's private parts. Reference to male penguins not wanting to hug each other. Some innuendoes from a male penguin about female penguins wanting him.
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Language: "Freakin'," reference to kissing penguins' butts.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
How can you not love animated penguins by WindupSquirrel
You can't smell them so all is good.
1
NOT for Children! by movie_time
".....if you want my body baby, from dusk till dawn." Yes, "Kiss" by Prince is the first AND last song you hear in this movie. "I want to make love to you", since when did this become a normal line in a KIDS movie? This movie is marketed to children yet is more of a grownup or teen cartoon. It could have been a good movie without the writers trying so hard to entertain parents with sexual inuendos. Who wants their elementary child repeating some of those lines or songs?? What's the deal with the political and religious statements?? PLEASE, how hard can it be to make a decent family movie??
5
Loved This Movie... by bgenzoli
Who wouldn't love all of the voices? Robin Williams' penguin...I mean, he's got this latin voice to him - sooo funny.
3
Cute Movie by wehavethreeboys
The penguins were cute but parts of the movie made my kids sad. The other penguins are mean/cruel in some scenes. There are funny parts though. Has a good ending. Characters suited for young kids, a little change and coulda been a G.
5
Happy Feet by WPAdmirer
A really fun movie with great music. Who could resist a baby penguin dancing to Stevie Wonder?
Saw it in a theater full of children and loved the way they were totally involved in the movie.
Noticed that some children were very worried about Mumbles mother when he had the vision of her while he was captured.
Overall, just a complete delight.