OK for kids 5+
Penguin sequel has fun musical numbers, a few mild scares.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sequel to 2006's Academy Award-winning animated adventure Happy Feet features many of the same environmental and family lessons for audiences. Global warming's impact on the penguin characters is again addressed; the peril that comes with natural disasters may frighten the youngest of viewers -- as could some scenes with large/menacing elephant seals and predatory skua birds. There are also a few mild innuendos from the penguin voiced by Robin Williams, and some viewers may interpret the relationship between two male krill as having gay undertones, particularly when Bill suggests they start a swarm of their own. But ultimately this is a tale of family, friendship, and what it means to find your individual voice -- your own special gift.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about independence and environmental awareness. How do Will the Krill and little Eric struggle with the same sort of issues? How do they each achieve their goal of uniqueness?
- 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 does the sequel compare to the original? What are some similarities between Mumble's journey and Eric's? Which movie do you prefer?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids are likely to pick up on the movie's environmental message about the dangers of global warming, as well as the importance of finding your own voice and encouraging your family and friends.
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Messages: Like the original, the sequel features a strong environmental message and also encourages parents to let their children believe in possibilities and follow their passions. Kids will also learn the importance of helping others and how every individual can make a huge impact.
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Role models: Mumble and Gloria are kind, encouraging parents who want Eric to live up to his potential. Eric himself is sweet and believes in others, even though he's not confident at first about his own abilities. A mama penguin thinks of obstacles as challenges to overcome, so her daughter is a fearless young penguin. Bill and Will each go on their own journeys of self discovery that eventually lead them both "home."
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: An iceberg traps the penguins in a snow valley that they can't climb out of, and a couple of times the situation looks dire for them. The krill are eaten by whales and other fish, so Will and Bill realize that they're at the bottom of the food chain. A huge elephant seal looks poised to harm Mumble, Eric, and their pals but then falls off a cliff and requires assistance. Two male seals battle for dominance. The predatory skuas try to peck at the penguin chicks.
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Sexy stuff: Penguin mates Mumble and Gloria embrace. Ramon is smitten with the beautiful Adelie penguin Carmen and calls out to her "You, me, egg, now!" in a suggestive way. They flirt throughout the movie.
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Language: Insults/language like "loser," "idiots," "sucks," and "bottom feeders."
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Consumerism: Nothing in the actual movie, but merchandise tie-ins are available in stores.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Too Scary for Little Kids by sandyktx
Way too scary for my 4 year old. Had to leave less than half way through, although the first Happy Feet is one of her favorite movies, and not too scary. Not many funny parts mixed in with the serious parts (during the first half we saw).
4
Colorful,entertaining, and a little funny by Librabaybee17
This movie to me is a go. of course there are certain parts that are to "serious" or "scary" for children who are under the age of 5. i mean of course they're going to be scared. when I took my 3 year old niece and 4 year old step-daughter, they didn't find the movie scary,however they did find it quite funny, colorful, and entertaining. In MY opinion, i think now most kids these days are too sensitive. :/ sorry folks :p
4
feel good family movie..daddy knows best by kaliluve
i took my three lilttle girls to see the movie. they loved it. i cried. i laughed. i feel in love. i wanted to dance in the asle with my little princesses.
3
It's just okay by ventcrazy
Saw the movie with my 6 year old daughter yesterday. We both liked it, but it wasn't that exciting. Very predictable story line. Great animation and music. But not fun enough.
5
Very cute and uplifting movie by PamGifford723
My 11 and 7 year olds and I might admit, myself all really enjoyed this movie. I even found myself singing and dancing in my seat. I loved it!
4
Great sequel to an awesome movie! by kleather
Loved it! The story line was great and the singing was awesome! How can you go wrong with Pink? The baby penguins are adorable and fluffy!!
5
Bringin' Fluffy Back...YEAH-uh!!! by smallville8013
LOVED IT, LOVED IT LOVED IT!!!! Pink was amazing in place of the late Brittany Murphy (R.I.P.)
Action, comedy, adult humor, cute kid stuff...PERF!!!
3
Stagnant Feet by kraduate
Lackluster sequel. Doesn't hold the magic or have the heart that the first did. Some good music but I just wasn't feeling it. Environmental message seems forced into a contrived re-hashed plot. The reason I'm rating it So-So instead of No is because I think a young child could enjoy this. The heavy-handed global warming message will go over their heads.
4
Feet-2 Kicks Off Holiday Season Without Missing A Step. by Alon Patterson
A warm and up-beat sequel filled with lots of love, HF-2 reminds its audience of the importance of family and friends, with an emphasis on encouraging confidence in oneself and others. With just the right timing entering the holiday season, you'd be hard pressed to find a more pleasant screen experience than this one. There's virtually nothing objectionable about the plot, the characters or the dialogue. Unlike recent animated features which test the bounds of sensibility in this regard, specifically "Cars 2," parents are safe in bringing even the smallest children. And in keeping with films like "Toy Story," there's lots here for grownups too. Try to show up early because a couple of the usual trailers have been replaced with a new Tweety Bird/Sylvester cartoon that's lots of fun. This film's well worth the price of today's movie tickets. See it. You won't be disappointed.
4
Happy Feet Two by hawaiimuskrat
This was a fun movie, but not as good as Happy Feet. The singing was frequently mushy and the words difficult to understand, but the penguin dancing was fantastic. A new feature, which was a favorite, were the krill. Very funny.