Not what I was expecting, unfortunately...

Rating: 3/10 (31 December 2006)

In any cartoon with talking animals, one must suspend disbelief in order to be able to enjoy what they're watching.
Unfortunately, with "Happy Feet," that suspension of disbelief requires a quantum leap outside the bounds of logic. And that's before we get to issues with the script, the cast, the acting and a subplot that could be construed as offensive to people of faith.
The crux of the plot -- that one penguin could basically affect the fishing habits of humans around the globe -- is unlikely at best and jaw-droppingly insipid at worst.
If you can believe a penguin could swim to what looks like the U.S. Atlantic or Pacific coasts, you might have a good time watching this film. Otherwise, if you're looking for a cartoon -- even a cartoon that throws messages in with its entertainment -- spend your money elsewhere.
The potentially offensive subplot in question involves a villainous penguin who represents a quasi-religious figure, and who comes to stand for backwards thinking and bigotry. Two other "penguins of faith" are portrayed as a hoaxser (Lovelace) and dim-witted (Memphis).
The movie also fails in its casting; Robin Williams gets two roles and does neither very well, although his Lovelace James-Brown-meets-Jimmy-Swaggart is slightly better of the two. Hugh Jackman's Elvis schtick as Memphis is poorly done.
One of the movie's best features, the realism of the animation, actually hinders its execution. The penguins are completely realistic, but in doing so, the animators robbed all but Mumble of readable facial expressions. Considering that small children will make up much of the audience for this film, that's a critical shortcoming.
There are other issues, including the lack of character development for Anthony Lepaglia's character, and sea lions, seals and whales that show up just long enough to intrigue, then disappear.
On the good side, the soundtrack is a winner, the melding of live action and animation was sharply done, and the movie carries a message of non-judgmentalness concerning Mumble's uniqueness.
But the movie may go over the heads of many youngsters, and some scenes could be disturbing for some children -- hence, the PG rating.
If you're looking for cartoon movies with messages, see the excellent "Over The Hedge" or "Cars" instead.