We took the kids to see Happy Feet a couple weeks ago. Amazing, stunning animation. Great soundtrack. Funny Characters.

I was not a fan of the whole the humans are killing the penguins subplot. I could have also used less realism in the scary, violent scenes. Geetle made us cover her eyes. Fortunately, Pookie had fallen asleep by that part. But the movie was rated PG, so I guess I can accept them including a little more violence than my 3 year olds are ready for.

Here’s what I did not like about Happy Feet.

The story is about a penguin who is born different, and will always be different from everybody else. He makes his teachers uncomfortable because they can’t figure out how to make him sing like all the other penguins do, but boy can he dance which none of the penguins appreciate.

The whole time I thinking about our Pookie. There are so many things that he doesn’t do as well as the other kids, but so many things that they are not even close to him at yet. And, I’d be willing to bet that is going to cause everybody some emotional difficulties throughout his life. I’m also willing to bet that there are going to be a fair number of teachers that work extra hard to figure out how to connect with Pookie.

So, then one of the girl penguins shows an interest in Mumbles, the hero of the story and Mumbles ends up needing to prove to all the other penguins that he is worthy of their attention.

How does he prove he is worthy? By saving all of the penguins from destruction at the hands of the evil humans. Only then do the penguins start to really dig Mumbles.

That is not what I wanted to see. I’m all for challenges, but no one person should have to save their entire species before their species will love and accept them. That’s too much to ask of any kid…I mean penguin.

 

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