Film Reviews

Happy Feet Two

• Rating:
• Director: George Miller
• Starring: (voices of) Elijah Wood, Pink, Elizabeth Daily, Sofía Vergara, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon
• Details: US/103mins G

A straight up sequel that keeps the fun factor of the original but loses a little of its charm, Happy Feet Two is the kind of kiddie fare that is absolute drivel when compared to Pixar or Dreamworks finest - but is still a chucklesome distraction. The youngsters will be tapping along, and the fun element is still there for the most part. The last film's young hero, Mumble, is now a father to shy penguin Erik, who just like his Dad feels like he doesn't fit in. Strangely, the kid still has some close mates, and manages to get caught up in some hijinx with his pals. Worried about Erik, Mumble leaves his home to look for his offspring when a glacial shift traps all of his loved ones. He must save the day by figuring out a way to free everyone, but also figure out a way to feed them in the meantime - with the help of a funny looking penguin who can fly. Ironically the best parts of Happy Feet Two don't involve any of the main characters, but two of the biggest movie stars on earth voicing pointless, but thoroughly amusing Krill. Matt Damon and Brad Pitt are obviously in on the joke here, as two indistinguishable members of the lower end of the food chain. When one of them has an epiphany and decides to chance it alone, the other needy Krill anxiously follows. Granted, it's a subplot of little relevance, but this is a kids movie and the fun that Damon and Pitt have at their own expense offers plenty of laughs. The musical element was a huge part of the original, and continues to be so here. But plot wise it's slim pickings, and despite a nice and surprising mix of live action there is precious little in way of innovation. There's also a fair bit recycled from the first film, which embraced the slapstick side a bit more - Robin Williams doesn't have a lot to do here despite voicing two characters. Watchable with enough fun moments to pass the time, but basically a serviceable sequel.

Review by Mike Sheridan