Happy Feet makes Jamie sad

Rating: 3/10 (2 January 2007)

I'd love to say this film lived up to the hype and apparent "rave reviews", but it most certainly failed to meet even the most modest of my expectations.
From an adult perspective, the movie lacked the humour that made animated titles such as Finding Nemo and Shrek so enjoyable. Through a child's eyes, which I can also speak on behalf of quite confidentially, it lacked the colour and character diversity that brings a good children's story to life. There just isn't much entertaining about a bluish-gray landscape and a few hundred identical penguins.
Visuals aside, the over-use of cheesy pop-songs near turn the film into a b-grade musical, and aren't always entirely appropriate for younger audiences. Disjointed and going no where fast, attempts are then made to fill the questionable direction and conclusion of the film with over-the-top and poorly delivered messages concerning environmental awareness.
Happy Feet winds up being unamusingly long and emotionally void despite the efforts of some the most charismatic voice actors alive today. I wanted to believe it was good, I really did, however it falls short of both a children's favourite or enjoyable light entertainment for older generations.