One of the best animated films of 2006

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2006)

In animation, like in most arts, whenever a new technique is invented and succeeds, it doesn't really take too long until it becomes a widely used standard as everyone begins to explore it. That's exactly what happened to Computer Generated (CG) animation, to the point that now, 15 years after the release of "Toy Story" (first animated feature made entirely with CG), this kind of animation is not as exciting or thrilling as before as most of the recent animated movies begin to look the same. Fortunately, "Happy Feet", Warner Bros Studios attempt at CG animation plays definitely a whole different tune, as it uses CG imagery not only to animate its characters, but to create a vivid world attempting to use (or to mimic) elements of the art of cinematography. It may not be a huge step forward, but at least it's a step forward.
"Happy Feet" is the story of Mumble (Elijah Wood), a young Emperor penguin with an uncanny natural ability for tap dancing, but unable to sing at all. The problem? Emperor penguins live in a society based on singing, where the use of the singing voice allows them to find friends and eventually a wife. As Mumble grows up, his inability to sing and his uncontrollable desire to dance make him almost a pariah, frowned upon by his friends, his father (Hugh Jackman) and the Elders of the community. Exiled, Mumble finds new friends in a different community of penguins (that sees dancing as another way to socialize), but also finds a mission: to discover who is causing the fish to disappear. To find it, he'll have to travel across Antarctica to find the mysterious "Aliens" that seem to be behind all.
Mainly written by director George Miller and John Collee (although with the collaboration of Warren Coleman and Judy Morris), "Happy Feet" is an ambitious film that attempts to be funny and entertaining for the kids while at the same time being deep and intelligent enough for adults to enjoy as well. Not an easy task to accomplish, but for the most part Miller, Collee and their team of writers succeed almost flawlessly on their attempt. "Happy Feet" can be seen basically as the classic tale of a young character and his trip to find his place in the world and his purpose in life, as well as the many problems and allies he finds during his odyssey. However, it is also tackles important topics such as tolerance, self confidence, and mainly the disaster we mankind are doing to out environment.
While the script is certainly a bit contrived (mainly because its over ambitious goals), the direction of the movie is almost flawless. Almost 30 years after his breakthrough with the now legendary "Mad Max", George Miller keeps being an effective and original director (despite the few number of movies he has directed) who doesn't seem afraid to try new and fresh things. Like a hybrid between his "Babe: Pig in the City" and "Mad Max 2", this movie is an adventure of epic proportions that while aimed to the kids, it's dark and meaningful, yet charming and very accessible at the same time. As I wrote at the beginning, "Happy Feet"'s most amazing feature is the simply perfect use of CG animation to create gorgeous settings and landscapes. It's use of lighting sources and textures is really breathtaking, and this is probably the closest CG can get to real life cinematography.
The use of the voice is one of the main themes of the movie, and the work done by the cast is for the most part excellent. A big surprise are the work of Hugh Jackman (Mumble's dad) and Brittany Murphy (Gloria, Mumble's best friend), who deliver not only great acting performances, but also offer remarkable singing when necessary. Murphy really being outstanding, and probably the best voice of the film right after Robin Williams, who lends his voice to two important and very different characters. Elijah Wood as Mumble and Hugo Weaving as the Elder are OK, but nothing really amazing or unexpected of their talents. The only slight disappointment is probably Nicole Kidman, and not because her performance is bad, but mainly because she doesn't really show the amazing vocals of previous singing efforts ("Moulin Rouge!" for example).
"Happy Feet" has received a lot of criticisms due to the no-so-subtle way it presents its message, to the point of being called cheap propaganda; however, I find that kind of criticism unnecessary and out of place, as "Happy Feet" does offer a good chance to talk and discuss the movies's inherent message with the kids, who probably will find the movie visually attractive. True, "Happy Feet" is a bit heavy handed on the handling of its message, but one can't deny that it still is a good attempt of telling an animated epic story with a morale behind. As it stands, "Happy Feet" is a really good animated movie that not only will entertain, it will raise interesting questions and discussion with the younger ones, as it treats them intelligently.
Since the beginning of time, fables and stories have been used to carry on messages, moral lessons, or parables; "Happy Feet" continues this tradition as an excellent movie that is both entertaining and intelligent, and surely will deliver good fun if seen with an open mind. The breathtaking animation and the gorgeous landscapes are really a big plus that makes this movie one of the best animated films of 2006. 8/10