Happy Feet Two Review

Happy Feet Two is yet another pleasant foray into the notion of singing and dancing penguins. Leading in with the same quirkiness and vigor that made the first film so unique, George Miller's sequel follows up with even more musical numbers and fast-paced humor, not to mention a myriad of stunning visuals and voice talent.

Where the original Happy Feet followed the trials and tribulations of the tap-dancing Mumble (Elijah Wood), this film follows Mumble's son Erik, who is struggling to find his own special gift in the Emperor Penguin world. Following his uncle Ramon (Robin Williams) to another penguin culture, Erik and his fluffy companions Atticus and Bo encounter an amazing flying Puffin, The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria). But things take a turn for the worse when the Emperor Penguin population is threatened by a monumental iceberg.

While this main story is all well and good, it's Brad Pitt and Matt Damon (as Will and Bill the Krill) who really carry this film to new heights. Pitt plays an existentially angst-ridden krill who decides he's ready to leave the swarm and journey into the unknown, only to find that his whole life has been an endless game of baiting predators. Determined to climb up the food chain, Will and his fearful pal Bill (Damon) set out across the ocean in search of a higher purpose.

Pitt and Damon provide the lion's share of the laughs, and their own miniaturized story is one that could stand on its own as an entirely separate movie. Will's constant uncertainty of life, reality and purpose and Damon's cautious and grounded perspective on the krill way of life are ongoing jokes that make for some hilarious breaks from the central plot.

That's not to say Mumble and Erik's journey isn't without its charm. Just like the first film, the penguins' shenanigans here are also enjoyable. It takes a little while for things to really get going, but when the primary conflict finally presents itself, the film manages to hit all the right beats in all the right places.

There are plenty of musical numbers this time around, all of which are comedically amplified by the penguins themselves. You'd think this sight gag would be tired by now, but I couldn't help chuckling as little baby penguins swaggered to Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" and The Rivingtons' "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow." It's cheap, yes, but damn if those little guys aren't just adorable. Beyond that, there are also some beautifully sung ballads from Gloria (Pink) and her ever-faithful backup choir.


This sequel, like its predecessor, still preaches a political message, particularly promoting awareness of climate change and global warming, but it's not quite as in-your-face and jarring as before. As opposed to the onslaught of news and media coverage that ended the first film, Happy Feet Two takes a more solemn approach and sows its seeds throughout the film instead.

At the end of the day, Happy Feet Two is still a kids movie, but if you got a kick out of the first one, you'll almost definitely enjoy this follow up. And even if you haven't seen the original Happy Feet, you'll probably still find something to like -- for the adults, I guarantee it'll be Pitt and Damon's performances. Where the film lacks in a pointed direction, it more than makes up for in a constant stream of chuckles and heartfelt momentum. If nothing else, the gorgeous 3D animation alone is worth the price of admission.

• More Movies Reviews
• Latest Movies News, Reviews, and Videos