Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Mark Waters, 20th Century Fox, PG 95 Minutes.
‘Freaky Friday’ filmmaker Mark Waters has directed a funny family fantasy that is as enjoyable as it is entertaining.
It concerns young business executive Tom Popper (Jim Carey – ‘Bruce Almighty’) who has suddenly inherited a crate full of unruly penguins.
It turns out that property professional Popper is surprised to receive six penguins from his detached globetrotting dad, having passed away some time ago, which he initially considers disposing of but later decides on keeping them.
Popper’s mind is changed due his children, Billy (Maxwell Cotton – ‘Elysium’) and Tommy (Henry Kelemen’s first film), turning-up with ex-wife Amanda (Carla Gugino – ‘San Andreas’) to celebrate Billy’s birthday where they both children take an immediate liking to the penguins.
As a result of the successful birthday celebration Popper decides to transform his entire apartment into a winter wonderland which not only pleases all the penguins but also brings him closer to his sons and in particular, Amanda.
Regrettably for Popper the time spent on the family and the penguins has placed significant pressure on his business interests especially in dealing with the company’s highly valued client the esteemed Mrs Van Gundy (Angela Lansbury – TV ‘Murder She Wrote’).
At about the same time, the penguins have attracted the attention of Nat Jones (Clark Jones – ‘The Avengers’) the devious zookeeper determined to have the penguins removed from Popper’s abode and taken to his zoo, which he considers more appropriate.
Before too long Popper has to make a critical decision on whether to restore the relationship with his children and ex-wife or leave his property position, in addition to preventing the zookeeper from taking away the beloved penguins.
Waters has helmed an entertaining family comedy that encompasses a heart-warming storyline filled with many amusing scenes where the adorable penguins have to share the limelight with their host and his children over their child-like antics.
Of course one cannot go past the comical performance of Carey, carrying on with his usual capers, or those of the penguins – not to mention Gugino’s pleasing portrayal, nor even that of the legendary Lansbury in a cameo role.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
Mr Popper’s Penguins is to be televised on 7FLIX at 7.00pm on Saturday, 4 September.