|
|
|
|
A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Happy Feet
Penguins are big in the movies these days. However before The March of the Penguins, filmmakers were working on the animated feature Happy Feet. This is a fun story about Mumble (Elijah Wood), who cannot sing worth a darn. But he sure can dance. But in the nation of the Emperor Penguins, singing is essential because without a “heartsong” a penguin may never find true love.
Mumble’s toe tapping makes him different from the others, and soon he is ostracized. While on his own he comes across a group of Adelie Penguins who befriend the little guy. Adelies are different from Emperors and have no problem with Mumble’s dancing abilities. The Adelie Amigos, led by Ramon (Robin Williams) are a cool group who sing and dance, and take Mumble under their wing, so to speak.
This film is like no other. It is filled with adventure, heart, music, and big production numbers that rival any of the old musicals from the 40s and 50s. Busby Berkeley would be proud. (If you don’t know who he was, look him up!)
Happy Feet will have you toe-tapping your way home and singing the praises of Mumble, the sweet little penguin who discovers that it doesn’t matter how different you are, but who you are in your heart that counts.
Using the new motion-capture technology, the movie makers were able to capture professional dance moves making Mumble the first genuine dancing penguin in movie history. Move over Fred Astaire, here comes Mumble.
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
All pictures ©Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
Let's Talk About It!
Issues newsgroup
Join us to talk about this article!
|
|
|
