Common Sense Media Review
Animated penguin tale heavy on romance, peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Pebble and the Penguin
What's the Story?
The first animated film starring the formally dressed fowl, THE PEBBLE AND THE PENGUIN follows the adventures of hero Hubie (voiced by Martin Short, an Antarctic penguin determined to win sensitive Marina (Annie Golden) as his mate for life by presenting her with a pebble (the real-life ritual of Adelie penguins). Captured by an expedition team collecting birds for zoos, nerdish Hubie must escape and evade his captors as well as a bully rival, leopard seals, and killer whales in his quest. With help from new friend Rocko the Rockhopper penguin (James Belushi), Hubie takes on all kinds of perilous challenges and even lies to Rocko in order to get home to Marina in time for the all-important Full Moon Mating Ceremony.
Is It Any Good?
The homeward voyage is fraught with physical danger, and scenes of pursuit by leopard seals and killer whales are intense, probably more so than children under age 7 will want to watch. Almost equally scary are the scenes of the scheming bully Drake (Tim Curry) as he threatens, first verbally then physically, the true-hearted Marina.
Penguin animation came a long way in the 10 years after this film was released. But for their coloring the main characters look like they might be ducks or, in Drake's case, an eagle. But the background animation of capricious weather conditions is lovely, as are the top-notch original songs by Barry Manilow and Mark Watters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the birds aboard the bad ship Misery. Do you think animals are better or worse off in zoos than in the wild? Can you think of any arguments that people on the opposing side of the debate might have? The movie highlights lots of different types of penguins -- make a trip to the library to learn more about their habitats and habits.
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 11, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : April 11, 1995
- Cast : James Belushi , Martin Short , Tim Curry
- Directors : Don Bluth , Gary Goldman
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals )
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : general audiences
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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