Film Review & Interview with Robin Williams and George Miller: Happy Feet Two

26 Dec 11 by James Gorman

Happy Feet was the tale of a lonely Emperor Penguin named Mumble (Elijah Wood) whose passion for dancing made him an outcast among with peers and family.
After a journey of self-discovery Mumble ultimately found his place in the world and the film ended on a high note with ample opportunity for a sequel.
Five years later director George Miller has finally given us that sequel and despite what other critics have said, I think it tops, if not succeeds, the original.

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NINETOFIVE’S JAMES GORMAN CHATS WITH ROBIN WILLIAMS AND GEORGE MILLER.

Once again Happy Feet Two introduces the audience to the crisp beautiful landscape of Antarctica, however this time around it is portrayed in 3D.
Times have certainly changed since the last film as this time around all the Emperor Penguins in the community appear to have adopted Mumble’s passion for dancing, with the exception of Mumble’s young son Erik.
After an embracing scenario Erik runs away in search of a more accepting environment and Mumble follows closely behind. Along the way Erik meets The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria), a penguin who appears to be able to fly.
Realising he has no way of competing with his sons new role model, Mumble prepares to head home, but a catastrophic global event requires all the animals from the Antarctic to band together.
Happy Feet was a simplistic tale about a penguin trying to find his place in the world.
Happy Feet Two brings a lot more to the table in terms of storyline than its predecessor did. Instead of following the life of just one penguin, Miller introduces us to an array of wildlife including two Krill named Will and Bill voiced by Matt Damon and Brad Pitt and a grumpy elephant seal (Richard Carter).

At first I was prepared to jump onto the bandwagon with all the other critics voicing my outrage as to why so much more was added to what should have been another simple coming of age story, but then I stopped and I thought about it.
Happy Feet was not a success just because of a great storyline. The visuals, the sounds, the songs, the cast and the message it told was what made it so special. Happy Feet Two delivers all of those things and more.
The visuals and music have only gotten better with time (Miller confessed that he didn’t have the time or finance while making the first one as he did this time around).
The other thing that really worked in this movie’s favour was the 3D. These days I think that too many film makers are using the technology in their movies just because ‘everyone else is doing it’. Not every film merits the addition of that extra dimension and in some cases it ruins what should be a great movie.
Happy Feet Two was one of the exceptations as the 3D truly gives justice to Millers visually amazing Antarctic landscapes.
Happy Feet Two is a film for anyone and everyone, especially the younger audiences. You don’t need to be a kid at heart to enjoy this toe-tapping movie, just have an open mind and prepare to once again be taken on a journey to the visually stunning South Pole, but this time, in 3D.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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Happy Feet Two opens in Australian cinemas December 26.
Starring: Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Pink, Hank Azaria, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
Director: George Miller
Rating: G
Run time: 103min
Reviewer Rating: 8.5/10

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