"Happy Feet 2" opens with a colony of Emperor penguins dancing to a hip-hop tune. The film's landscape of animation is visually stunning, and Director George Miller provides an array of dazzling and endearing musical numbers to our delight.
Mumbles (Elijah Wood) is now all grown-up and has a family. His son, Erik (voice of Elizabeth Daily), does not have the penchant for dancing, and becomes a social pariah in the colony. He, now, tries to shun it all by running away. His father sets his feet to another beat, and this time, it is geared towards finding Erik. This sets the tone for the story line.
Happy Feet 2 is a concoction of sweet and sour candies. It is a mixed bag. From a child's vantage point, the film is very entertaining, especially with the Emperor penguins' love of dance. It is philosophical in some aspects, with a message that you can find happiness by believing in yourself, with great candor and honesty.
On the other hand, from an adult's perspective, the film could just be a lengthy ordeal of sitting through a series of songs and dances. The film's attempt to be existential and philosophical is lost in the multitude of musical interludes.
Overall, it is a film for children's entertainment that seeks out a chorus of "Wows" that will continue to reverberate across schoolyards and playgrounds.
Derek shares my predilection, and we both give the movie 2 1/2 stars. It is a good family movie so come to Lamorinda Theatres and experience it!
(Derek Zemrak is a filmmaker and the president of the California Independent Film Festival Association (CAIFFA); Beau Behan is a member of the CAIFFA Board and director of the Lamorinda Theatres.)
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA