Parents' Guide to Penguins

Technically brilliant with charming (if verging on overly cute) narration, this documentary is sure to delight kids. Penguins will also remind audiences of all ages that the Antarctic animals may be adorable, but they're also tough survivors that overcome unthinkably harsh conditions and a full slate of predators to fulfill their annual duty to reproduce. Steve is a lovable everyman type. He's not a preening alpha male; he even has some of his best rocks stolen from him as he tries to build a desirable enough nest to attract a mate. It's his first year on the scene as an adult, Helms explains, so it's a pleasant development when he meets his partner, Adeline, with whom he begins the arduous journey of penguin parenthood. The visuals are stunning as Steve goes from one of countless bachelors to new mate to father.

The best nature documentaries are amazing feats of technology and artistry, and this is no exception. Purists may bristle at the penguins being humanized, but it's definitely a kid-friendly tactic to structure the film like a family comedy with high stakes. There's more peril than actual violence, plus a few wink-wink nods at mating season rituals (particularly those of the polygynous -- and apparently stinky -- elephant seals) that will likely go over smaller heads. The soundtrack is full of telling throwback pop and rock ballads like REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling," Average White Band's "Work to Do," and Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" that make the action even funnier to watch. Penguins isn't trying to surpass March of the Penguins, but it's a light and sweet ode to the tough, tender Adélies.