Animated Film Tackles Serious Issues

Rating: 6/10 (20 November 2006)

Went with my 7 yr old daughter to watch this film last night. Animation quality was cute and adorable, especially the baby penguins. It was actually the appearance of the lead character Mumble as an young adult that was left unexplained, since he never matured in appearance even towards the end. I personally loved the song and dance numbers, which was what this film is expected to deliver and does not fail.
For smaller kids, there are very scary scenes with the violent leopard seal, who looks like a swimming T-Rex! The Orca scenes are also scary for kids, but better executed.
The point of view of the animals from inside the oceanarium was very touching. Those scenes regarding the fishing industry and pollution of the oceans was admittedly heavy, adult and unexpected in a film like this one. But truth be told, it was quite eye-opening and could serve to be the springboard for discussion with older kids. I did not really get the connection between the penguins' dancing and the decision of the United Nations at the end, but then it goes back to the fact that this IS as children's film to begin with.