Common Sense Media Review
Well-meaning animation has sexual innuendo; scary moments.
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Happy Feet
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 70 parent reviews
Based on 74 kid reviews
Kids say this animated film features lovable characters and a heartwarming story about being unique, though it has mixed reviews regarding its content. While many cherish its messages of self-acceptance and environmental issues, others express concern over sexual innuendos and scary moments, suggesting it may not be suitable for very young children.
- self-acceptance
- environmental issues
- mixed reviews
- sexual innuendos
- scary moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
George Miller's ultra-cute animated comedy HAPPY FEET features the voice of Elijah Wood as Mumble, an Antarctic penguin who can't find his "heart song," a tune unique to each penguin that's supposed to attract a mate. Instead of the soulful melodies all the other penguins sing, Mumble croaks out horrible sounds. But he can tap-dance up a storm, which is exactly what he does, even though the other penguins -- including his dad, Memphis (Hugh Jackman) -- think it's just plain weird. Eventually, penguin tribe leader Noah (Hugo Weaving) ousts Mumble from the community, claiming that his oddities are responsible for the recent fish shortage. Exiled, Mumble embarks on a journey to discover the true cause of the waning food supply. Along the way, he stumbles upon a gang of penguins known as the Adelie Amigos, and their guru, Lovelace (Robin Williams). They convince Mumble that his dancing is actually cool, and together, they search for the "alien annihilators," who gave Lovelace a "talisman" (a plastic six-pack container ring).
Is It Any Good?
Lest you think this upbeat animated musical is a rip-off of the 2005 documentary March of the Penguins, let's set the record straight. Though Happy Feet manages to sneak in some real-life penguin oddities to fascinate viewers, this CGI movie is very much aiming for charm and happiness, not the harshness of the struggle to survive in a challenging environment. On the whole, the star-studded voice cast does a thoroughly entertaining job of portraying a community of anthropomorphized penguins. But with Nicole Kidman doing her breathiest Marilyn Monroe impression and Williams in amoral evangelist territory, you can't help feeling that at least some of the content is rather sexual for the young target audience. Fortunately, the overarching message is well-intentioned, with Mumble a strong role model for integrity, compassion, and determination.
Meanwhile, Mumble's dancing isn't just awfully cute but also true-to-life, thanks to the motion-capture techniques used to graft acclaimed dancer Savion Glover's moves onto the penguin's body. At face value, Happy Feet is a visual treat with dynamic characters and a funky vibe. And if you can see beyond the overly sexual tone that keeps popping up and racially coded stereotypes, you'll find positivity and fun, mesmerizing Antarctic landscapes, and a toe-tapping soundtrack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to accept and embrace what makes each penguin different in Happy Feet, and how humans are also different from each other. What makes Mumble different from the other penguins? What makes you different from other people?
What does it mean to be excluded? What did the penguins do to exclude Mumble? Have you ever felt left out, or seen someone else be shunned from a group? What could the penguins have done to help young Mumble feel included? What could you do to help others feel included?
How did Mumble's difference benefit his friends and family? How can people's individual abilities benefit their community and the larger world?
Why were the penguins singing to each other? Did you notice that Gloria was the only female penguin from Mumble's class who got sung to by the other penguins? Why do you think Gloria wanted to spend time with Mumble instead of the other penguins?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 16, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : March 27, 2007
- Cast : Elijah Wood , Nicole Kidman , Robin Williams
- Director : George Miller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild peril and rude humor
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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