This poster is 24 inches by 36 inches approximately. It is in mint conditionHappy Feet drapes a relatively conventional story about the world of the emperor penguins who find their soulmates through songs. At first, I cant help but raise an eyebrow as it seems to be riding on with the success of the March of the Penguins by just merely transforming itself into an animated musical version. And yet, it has turned out to be having a certain twist to it - more than my expectation of a mere March of the Penguins copycat revealing themes that are quite different from a supposedly predictable story. Amidst its detailed and realistic-looking CGI, the serious undertones concerning religious fanaticism and human destruction of the environment become apparent.
This film is an odd combination of Moulin Rouge and March of the Penguins developing into a first contact science-fiction story during its second half. It is a wise move to come up with something more than just a mainstream-stricken form of entertainment by incorporating some substantive messages about certain supernatural beliefs and ecological concerns. It becomes a family film that is part a musical extravaganza and part a pro-environmental endeavor in a visually striking piece of animation. The songs and animation may seem to be an overused device, but they nicely join with the movies understated humor painlessly delivering its ecological lessons.
Director George Miller, also the maker of Babe: Pig in the City, really has an eye for this kind of animated treat. It is interesting to know that the massive motion capture utilized in the making of this film has paved way for more realistic and characterized movements of the real actors and actresses. More than just the voice, you can actually see Elijah Wood in Mumble how looking deeper into Mumble you can actually see Woods bright eyes. The technical prowess of putting a number of sensors all over the face and body of the actors and actresses has really paved way to more realistic, humanly movements reflecting the actual acting performances interpreted by the actors and actresses for the personalities of the characters they portray.
Offering gorgeous visuals along with fun songs and plenty of humor set in the icy south pole, Happy Feet has a heart amidst its labor intensive animation. It makes its Antarctica set melting with much warmth and humor. The dancing penguins flip in with fun putting a smile on the viewers faces in between charming songs of the heart. Ambitious, intriguing, and hilarious, the film becomes a pastiche of the contemporary Hollywood pop culture with its medleys of famous tunes (including the hits of the Beatles, Beach Boys, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Queen, among others).
Overall, Happy Feet offers cinematic family fun. However, with its serious twist that tends to be more emotionally resonant and environmentally responsible in its last part, it can be better appreciated by the adults than the toddlers. The film is weighed down by a narrative that doesnt get to offset the too matured stuff in it. At a certain point, the film detaches from its kiddie appeal when it gets more serious in its environmental and political stands. Even its humor and the old tunes (not really like too old but old enough for the youngsters to identify with) are more effective for the teen and adult audience. But still, the choice of songs can set some childrens feet in motion and tap their way in a penguinly stomp and walk. Moreover, it is not surprising for a kid to start walking and dancing like the really appealing penguins. Indeed, these irresistible creatures singing disco can make both the youngsters and adults get up and dance getting immersed in the invigorating music and stunning visuals. Actually, if Happy Feet have stayed light enough on its feet while still taking some moral lessons in its route, it could have been a completely classic childrens film.
Happy Feet allows the behaviors of the emperor penguins to reflect some of humanitys contemporary societal, environmental, and political anxieties. Mumble represents the underdog of the human civilization, may it be the disabled, the autistic, the odd man out, or the not so physically endowed. But just like any other story with a similar theme and conflict, his character is given a distinct special skill where he can really stand out and redeem himself. Though Mumble cannot sing, he can tap dance really good.
Falling in love with the wingless birds of the Antarctic is not surprising in this computer-animated musical/adventure film. The dazzling animation, catchy songs, and Broadway-like dance numbers give the film a broader appeal. Compensated by the cutely animated penguins in a toe-tapping collection of classic R & B music and dance routines, the dozens of really charming moments amidst the nicely weaved musical medleys, good acting, and dynamic animation challenge the preconceptions of the genre and the usual taking of such a storys very common premise.
Happy Feet is a wacky, toe-tapping animated charmer. In its surface, children can find it playful, fun and enjoyable (though the last part becomes quite advanced for the toddlers). In a deeper level, the film becomes a brave, heartfelt, triumphant, and surprising cinematic accomplishment with moral lessons in it. Daring to be a little different from what is expected for such a mainstream treat, Happy Feet is a film that manages to stand out in a crowd of computer-animated movies about cuddly, talking animals and underdog characters. Indeed, it is nice to see a film that attempts to move on a slightly different direction. It is indeed a feat for Happy Feet.
Check out my site: Rianne's Film BlogHaving been bitten by the film bug, I have realized that pain is temporary; film is forever. I'm a free-spirited artist who is in constant search for the ultimate experience in every place-seeking inspirations for every work...
dance music 2007
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