Happy Feet (2006)
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75% of critics liked it
(161 reviews) -
75% of users liked it
(568,499 ratings)
In the world of the emperor penguin, a simple song can mean the difference between a lifetime of happiness and an eternity of loneliness. When a penguin named Mumble is born without the ability to sing the romantic song that will attract his soul mate, he'll have to resort to some fancy footwork by… More In the world of the emperor penguin, a simple song can mean the difference between a lifetime of happiness and an eternity of loneliness. When a penguin named Mumble is born without the ability to sing the romantic song that will attract his soul mate, he'll have to resort to some fancy footwork by tap dancing his way into the heart of the one he loves. Directed by Babe mastermind George Miller, Happy Feet tells the tale of one penguin's quest for love, and features an all-star cast of vocal talent that includes Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and Brittany Murphy. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
- Directed By
- George Miller
- Written By
- George Miller, John Collee, Warren Coleman, Judy Morris
- Genres
- Animation, Kids & Family, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Nov 17, 2006 Wide
- On DVD
- Mar 27, 2007
- Studio
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Critic Reviews
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David Edelstein, New York Magazine
You should see Happy Feet -- not only because it's stupendous, but also because it features the best dancing you'll see on the screen this year.
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Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Was I enchanted, entertained or even diverted for its 108-minute running time? Not really.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
I think kids will love it, because the penguins are cute.
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Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
Happy Feet is the kind of musical comedy that might have swept the world if MGM had been based in Antarctica instead of Culver City.
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Claudia Puig, USA Today
The dazzling animation, catchy songs and Broadway-worthy dance numbers give the film even broader appeal.
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Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Imagine March of the Penguins with a pop soundtrack. Or maybe An Inconvenient Truth with Al Gore doing his best Donald O'Connor impression. It's quite the mash-up, as intended, and it's cooler than a South Pole skinny dip.
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Jane Boursaw, Common Sense Media
Ultra-cute kid flick has a few scary, emotional moments.
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Nick Rogers, Suite101.com
Parables about xenophobia, tolerance, religion and ecological responsibility are played to cuddly conclusions. Balletic underwater sequences and a jukebox-musical soundtrack spanning Chicago to Grandmaster Flash are spoonfuls of sugar for the medicine.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Despite the film getting a bit erratic and preachy, Happy Feet is generally cute and entertaining. (Holiday Family Collection)
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
George Miller's jubilant, eccentric film makes its CGI penguins vibrant, expressive, even cosmic
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Angel Cohn, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The perfect film for audiences who found fault with March of the Penguins because it was too emotionally taxing and you couldn't dance to it.
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Matthew De Abaitua, Film4
Puts heart and soul back into the good old computer animated, talking animals family film.
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Heather Huntington, ReelzChannel.com
It's March of the Penguins meets The Little Mermaid in this cute musical tour de force.
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Ryan Cracknell, Calgary Movies
Unfortunately, once the eye candy is firmly established, there's a story here that drags and drags. Then it takes a bit of a leap before it drags some more.
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Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
Stands at the very top of the 2006 animated kid's film class.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Lucas M
Happy Feet promise a lot... but don't is one of the most great animated movie. -
Lady D
An all singing, all dancing film that just oozes cuteness. Happy Feet is creative with an adorable storyline, that puts a little smile on your face. Slightly different to a lot of the feature length cartoons and the music gives it a modern feel. -
Wahida K
I can watch this Movie over and over again. I just adore this Movie so much. Its just so great. -
KJ P
This may not be a kids classic in any way, but in my opinion, it is a fun ride to take once. As mumble faces the fears of growing up with a disorder that no other penguin can understand, he goes off to meet new animals outside of his species. He feels like there is more to life than… More
This may not be a kids classic in any way, but in my opinion, it is a fun ride to take once. As mumble faces the fears of growing up with a disorder that no other penguin can understand, he goes off to meet new animals outside of his species. He feels like there is more to life than singing with his homeland of people, seeing as he has no voice. He is born with the ability to rapidly move his feet to create his own beats. Nobody sees that as a talent, except for him. The quest rages on, and kids will love it. I personally think this is a mediocre family flick with not enough heart to keep adults interested, but it was a nice simple viewing for me, which I found enjoyable. I wouldn't tell anyone to rush out and watch it, but it is not bad! "Happy Feet" didn't quite meet my expectations, but it is definitely a treat for kids of all ages! -
Directors C
Happy Feet was really heartwarming and the story had been given a lot of thought to it and it worked. The voice cast perform brilliantly and it was generally funny. My only criticism is that Happy Feet's first act was a bit boring. I would have prefered Surf's Up to win the… More
Happy Feet was really heartwarming and the story had been given a lot of thought to it and it worked. The voice cast perform brilliantly and it was generally funny. My only criticism is that Happy Feet's first act was a bit boring. I would have prefered Surf's Up to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature but this would have been my second choice for sure. -
Unknown H
To be honest this movie was cute, but I did not particularly enjoy it. I think too many kids movies are trying like hell to achieve the subtle adult/child humour that Shrek mastered way back at the beginning of the decade. Happy Feet failed, bringing half hearted characters to life in… More
To be honest this movie was cute, but I did not particularly enjoy it. I think too many kids movies are trying like hell to achieve the subtle adult/child humour that Shrek mastered way back at the beginning of the decade. Happy Feet failed, bringing half hearted characters to life in a desolate wasteland. This film did not hold my attention but more importantly it did not hold my two year old daughters attention either. A definite fail for a kids movie not without its merits. -
Brad W
Okay, this movie is good, but not tremendous. Good story, characters, and music. Amazing animation too. But a little boring at times, and I think giving it Best Animated Feature was a bad choice. -
Bethany M
One of my all time favourite films. The cutest penguins I have ever seen! -
Alexander D
The second best penguin movie I've seen (the best is "March of the Penguins"), but also the cutest. -
Thomas B
absolutely brilliant. one of the greatest movie soundtracks and without a doubt, the greatest animated dance spectacle ever beheld. full marks -
Jason L
Very imaginative and very cute, 'Happy Feet' is a beautiful animated movie everyone will love. -
Michael E
One of the best and well animated films of all time, which is to me a penguin version of "Cats Don't Dance" even though in that movie its the opposite in this movie but it is basically the same plot. -
Candy R
Good animation about cute peguins. Penguins sing to attract their soul mate but Mumbles can't sing so he tap dances. -
Bently L
In Emperor Land, where the emperor penguins roam, you must be able to sing and share "heart songs" in order to find a soul mate. Mumble is a deformed penguin who isn't born with the ability to sing. However, Mumble has the talent to dance. With the help of his adelie… More
In Emperor Land, where the emperor penguins roam, you must be able to sing and share "heart songs" in order to find a soul mate. Mumble is a deformed penguin who isn't born with the ability to sing. However, Mumble has the talent to dance. With the help of his adelie penguin friends, Mumble must dance his way into the heart of his love intrest, Gloria. All I knew about the movie was that it was about singing and dancing penguins. I went to see it opening weekend and was amazed by the movie. Me seeing this movie on the big screen is one of the best theater experiences I ever had. The concept is original and the animation is superb. This is not done by an animation studio like Pixar. Its done by a visual effects company known as Animal Logic who provided the special effects for the hit action film The Matrix. No wonder it looks so real. It made my friend think that the characters were REAL PENGUINS!! Awkward. The voice acting is really good. Elijah Wood was the right person to play the misfit protagonist and Britanny Murphy (R.I.P.) was perfect to play the love intrest. The adelie penguins were hilarious. Robin Williams's character, Ramone, stole the show. Anyways, Happy Feet is a fun musical romo that entertaining for both young and old. The only problem in this movie was the risque humor. Other than that, the film is pleasing. "Hey, baby. Show me those flippin' feet." www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7vjxhqMPng -
Richard C
this movie is overrated. its not horrible but its not good. if you want a way better penguin movie watch surfs up. C -
Chris W
This absolutely gorgeous looking film is one of the best non Disney/Pixar animated films I have ever seen. It blows my mind that this is directed by the same guy who directed the Mad Max films. The story is a rehash of two old tropes: being different and finding you place and the… More
This absolutely gorgeous looking film is one of the best non Disney/Pixar animated films I have ever seen. It blows my mind that this is directed by the same guy who directed the Mad Max films. The story is a rehash of two old tropes: being different and finding you place and the world, and a nice touching environmental message. They work well here though, and I like that they used penguins as the main characters. The voice cast is outstanding and are fun to listen to. The song and dance numbers are extrememly well done, and really show just how far animation has come. The movie turns really dark and a little depressing during the last half, and it becomes something totally different than the first part, but I liked it. I liked that it does something different and throws everyone for a loop. I have no real complaints about this movie. I really don't. It is definitely worth seeing. -
Dead A
Fight for the right :) -
Cassandra M
would normally be fairly bored at a kids' film and have just gone to take the kids - but all the adults were fascinated the whole time. We all agreed that it was easily the best animated movie of the year. I would recommend it for any age of kid. The audience in general obviously… More
would normally be fairly bored at a kids' film and have just gone to take the kids - but all the adults were fascinated the whole time. We all agreed that it was easily the best animated movie of the year. I would recommend it for any age of kid. The audience in general obviously loved it judging by the laughter but by the enthralled silence at the dramatic parts. Most families obviously consist of children of different ages - so it is not easy to find a film that appeals to teenagers as well as 3 year olds. This one did - an had the adults enthralled as well. I am not surprised that it beat Casino Royale at the Box Office in US 2 week ends running. The green message was great - I think it is really important that children should be aware of not littering etc, respecting the planet, from a young age. Having said that, I'm not sure the kids really got that message but it might have had some effect on the older ones. Have read some stuff on here saying kids should not be taught liberal values or not be made aware of them. Liberal values like tolerance and fairness etc. The film didn't promote those values more than a lot of kids' movies but even if it had I can't imagine why anyone would be worried about that so I'm not going to give it serious consideration. The film I went to see was basically a really exciting adventure story with excellent acting - you really felt for Mumble - he wasn't just a stock character. I thought Elijah Wood did an excellent job in that role. Quite a few people on the internet are asking - why use such famous actors for Happy Feet - why not have an unknown voice cast? Obviously having a very big name cast of A listers costs far more and so reduces the profits - at least that might appear to be the case. Here is one reply I found - "some of the famous actors out there are famous (and expensive) for a reason- they're good at what they do. Elijah Wood really is pretty amazing at playing a sympathetic lead; Nicole Kidman has a fantastic singing voice to go along with a sweet stage presence...." The visual effects were really breath-taking, probably the best animation I've ever seen. But the film also had an intriguing story with some depth - it wasn't just a bland cutesy film. I strongly recommend it for children, especially when you think of all the predictable rubbish that Hollywood often serves up for family films. Up-date - I am very pleased that it won the Oscar for Best Animated; I thought that it was clearly the best animated film of the year - and also I was pleased to see the Academy award originality and depth as opposed to a pleasant but rather bland, mix-as-before Pixar product. -
Anthony L
The animation is great and really clever etc, it?s just the story that lets it down. Penguin cuteness lasts minutes and the laughs last seconds. That leaves and hour and a half of quite dull viewing unless you like watching penguins fall down mountains and sing crap songs. Kids should… More
The animation is great and really clever etc, it?s just the story that lets it down. Penguin cuteness lasts minutes and the laughs last seconds. That leaves and hour and a half of quite dull viewing unless you like watching penguins fall down mountains and sing crap songs. Kids should read books instead! -
EightThirty .
Classic one I reckon, Music and laughs...A very Funny and Fun movie to enjoy for anyone and anytime ^_^
Cast
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Elijah Woodas Mumble -
Robin Williamsas Lovelace -
Brittany Murphyas Gloria
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Hugh Jackmanas Memphis -
Nicole Kidmanas Norma Jean -
Hugo Weavingas Noah the Elder
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Anthony LaPagliaas Boss Skua -
Magda Szubanskias Miss Viola -
Steve Irwinas Trev
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Carlos Alazraquias Nestor -
E.G. Dailyas Baby Mumble -
Lombardo Boyaras Raul
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Miriam Margolyesas Mrs. Astrakhan -
Fat Joeas Seymour -
Alyssa Shaferas Baby Gloria
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Cesar Floresas Baby Seymour -
Jeff Garciaas Rinaldo -
Danny Mannas Dino
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Mark Klastorinas Vinnie -
Michael Cornacchiaas Frankie -
Johnny Sanchez IIIas Lombardo
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Nicholas McKayas Nev -
Tiriel Moraas Kev -
Dee Bradley Bakeras Maurice
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Richard Carteras Barry -
Lee Perryas Elder -
Alan Shearmanas Elder
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Larry Mossas Elder -
Peter Carrollas Elder -
Chrissie Hyndeas Michelle
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Giselle Lorenas Adélie Chica -
Michelle Arthuras Adélie Chica -
Denise Blasoras Adélie Chica
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Roger Roseas Leopard Seal -
Kelley Abbeyas Motion Capture Principal -
Savion Gloveras Motion Capture Principal
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Matt Leeas Motion Capture Principal -
Leanne Chernyas Motion Capture Principal -
Penny Martinas Motion Capture Principal
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Kate Wormaldas Motion Capture Principal -
Caroline Kasparas Motion Capture Principal -
Wayne Scott Kermondas Motion Capture Principal
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Renae Berryas Motion Capture Performer -
Kane Bonkeas Motion Capture Performer -
Rohan Browneas Motion Capture Performer
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Jason Colemanas Motion Capture Performer -
Amy Delvesas Motion Capture Performer -
Shannon Greensillas Motion Capture Performer
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Jaclyn Hansonas Motion Capture Performer -
Keith Hawleyas Motion Capture Performer -
Shannon Holtzapffelas Motion Capture Performer
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Michelle Hopperas Motion Capture Performer -
Leah Howardas Motion Capture Performer -
Camilla Jakimowiczas Motion Capture Performer
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Simon Lindas Motion Capture Performer -
Tracie Morleyas Motion Capture Performer -
Amy Petsalisas Motion Capture Performer
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Troy Phillipsas Motion Capture Performer -
Chris Pickardas Motion Capture Performer -
Danielle Playelas Motion Capture Performer
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Dianne Rakebrandtas Motion Capture Performer -
Jesse Rasmussenas Motion Capture Performer -
Kristen Rogersas Motion Capture Performer
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Troy Rowleyas Motion Capture Performer -
Adam Scownas Motion Capture Performer -
Annie Semleras Motion Capture Performer
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Ben Veitchas Motion Capture Performer -
Nathan Wrightas Motion Capture Performer -
Charlotte Gillmanas Live Action Cast
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Warren Colemanas Live Action Cast -
Felix Williamsonas Live Action Cast -
Carly Andrewsas Live Action Cast
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Cassandra Swabyas Live Action Cast -
Winston Cooperas Live Action Cast -
Henry Nixonas Live Action Cast
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Kelly Traceyas Live Action Cast -
Yann Le Berreas Live Action Cast -
Belinda Bromilowas Live Action Cast
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Alan Zitneras Live Action Cast -
Dasi Ruzas Live Action Cast -
Helmut Bakaitisas Live Action Cast
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Simon Westawayas Live Action Cast -
Olivia DeLaurentisas Other Voices -
J. Grant Albrechtas Other Voices
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Logan Arensas Other Voices -
Charles Bartlettas Other Voices -
Shane Baumelas Other Voices
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T.J. Beacomas Other Voices -
Kwesi Boakyeas Other Voices -
A.J. Buckleyas Other Voices
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Erin Chambersas Other Voices -
Rickey D'Shon Collinsas Other Voices -
Jeff Fischeras Other Voices
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Django Craigas Other Voices -
Scott E. Coxas Other Voices -
Chris Edgerlyas Other Voices
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Nicholas DeLaurentisas Other Voices -
Billy Williamsas Other Voices -
Rachel Yorkas Other Voices
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Efrain Figueroaas Other Voices -
Diane Michelleas Other Voices -
Mari Weissas Other Voices
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Arif S. Kinchenas Other Voices -
Aldis Hodgeas Other Voices -
Khamani Griffinas Other Voices
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Sonje Fortagas Other Voices -
Khadijah Haqqas Other Voices -
Christian Pikesas Other Voices
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Spencer Lacey Ganusas Other Voices -
Fisher Keeneas Other Voices -
Michael Krepackas Other Voices
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Libby Lynchas Other Voices -
Ryan Munckas Other Voices -
Steve Pintoas Other Voices
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Zoe Rayeas Other Voices -
Noreen Reardonas Other Voices -
Eliana Reyesas Other Voices
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Nicole Richmondas Other Voices -
Aimee Roldanas Other Voices -
Kyndell Roseas Other Voices
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Alyssa Julya Smithas Other Voices -
Elizabeth Daily
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