Cute, but certainly not without it's flaws

Rating: 4/10 (29 April 2007)

Like other viewers, I was attracted to this film when I read that it was directed by George Miller, aka "the guy that brought you Babe". Unfortunately, Happy Feet does not even come close to Babe in terms of quality and storytelling.
I know that MANY viewers will have a problem with the following comment: Happy Feet was too sexual. And yes, other animated films such as The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, exc... also had a few sexual themes, but the latter films presented those themes tastefully, giving only a VERY slight hint as to what was happening. Happy Feet did exactly the opposite. While I didn't have too much of a problem with the opening "Norma Jean" scene because it used an "oldies" song which made it rather humorous, I did have a problem with a particular scene that showed Mumble and Gloria sliding across the ice, landing in four obvious positions. Oops, I meant to say, they were just playing, right? It's not like the animators intentionally made Mumble and Gloria fall that way, right? This is likely to be the weak answer you'll get if you confront other reviewers on the subject.
Another problem with Happy Feet is that it had two conflicting story lines: the first storyline about Mumble growing up, the second storyline about the environment and the fish. After the scene where Mumble grows up, the second plot completely overshadows the first one, what with all the "save the planet" messages that persist from then on. The one thing that I DID like about this plot was the "Man is evil" theme. This honest message has become a rare trait in animal films, having not been seen since the days of Bambi. It represents the true relationship that animals share with Man, and the relationship that Man shares with himself.
The "aliens" (aka Man) are live-action, not animated like Happy Feet and the gang. This made both being on screen together rather awkward. Not the best choice, Miller.
I do not regret buying this DVD because of the beautiful animation, but this doesn't save Happy Feet from being mediocre when compared to classic animated films, unfortunately. Buy at your own risk.