An admirable, sometimes entertaining mess

Rating: 6/10 (7 December 2006)

Here's a misguided, muddled film. George Miller, director of the inspired "Babe 2: Pig in the City" and the Mad Max series, returns to kiddie fare with this tale of a unique penguin who can't fit in with his singing brethren. Little Mumble can't sing, only squawk, so he can't perfect the necessary mating call--a heart song--needed to help advance the species. He can, however, do a mean tap routine. The heart songs, in a bizarre and off-putting twist, consist of contemporary pop hits. I love the Prince song "Kiss" but this steamy, definitely adult song is off-putting when coming out of the mouths of somewhat realistic looking penguins in a kids film.
These penguins aren't just concerned with wooing each other, but also with the decreasing fish population. There aren't enough fish to feed the penguins--a problem which eventually provides Mumble with his final triumphant quest. I don't object to the movie having a pro-environment message. (What? It's insidious to instill children with a desire for stewardship of their environment?) I don't object to the time honored message of respect others differences--see The Island of Lost Toys. I don't object to penguins singing. I don't object to the conventions of kiddie animated film--the voice of Robin Williams, goofy sidekicks, sly asides to keep the adults entertained. I don't object, even, to realistically rendered wildlife.
But all these elements together makes for a giant mess. Mumble has not one, but two quests--neither clearly defined--sucking all dramatic momentum out of the movies nearly two hour running time. He's surrounded by goofy penguins, lifelike penguins, and a Robin Williams penguin. There are chases, dance numbers, and messages galore. The movie is both fiercely original in its climax and tired in its reliance on genre staples. You won't know where this movie is headed, but you're also going to be looking at your watch.
There are individual elements to admire in the film. The animation is fantastic and looks terrific in IMAX. The final musical number is fun and there is a great chase sequence involving a sea lion, but the movie feels like a rough draft. The movie needs more focus and less characters. An admirable, sometimes entertaining mess.