Mr. Popper’s Penguins Movie Review

Last weekend, the boys and I had the pleasure of going to an advance screening of the latest Jim Carrey movie, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, which opens today. Loosely based on the 1938 novel by the husband-and-wife team of Richard and Florence Atwater, it’s perfect for Father’s Day weekend because it’s all about the relationship between a divorced father and his two children who don’t want to spend time with him. And penguins.

Here’s a quick rundown…set in Manhattan, Thomas Popper (Jim Carrey) receives a mysterious crate from Antarctica and it marks the end of his comfortable and well-ordered existence as a New York real estate mogul – and the beginning of his new life as caretaker, landlord and parent figure to six unforgettable penguins, each with a distinct personality.

The boy, who is 10, went in a little apprehensive…he was expecting March Of The Penguins In The City. But he was quickly roped in when we meet young Thomas Popper listening on his ham radio to his father on world-wide adventures.  Probably because it’s the equivalent of us and Dad on Skype.  The little one, of course, would watch paint dry if it was up on a big screen with stereo surround.

The fun really begins when we are introduced to the first penguin, a final gift from his deceased father, and through a series of misunderstandings, soon there are six. How can hijinks not ensue in a fabulous Park Avenue apartment?  His kids fall in love with the birds before he can return  them.  To keep his kids coming back, Popper decides to keep the penguins and turn his apartment into the perfect snow-driven  habitat.

Be warned, there are a few sad parts, (a major turning point in the movie) but things do (of course) work out. Their favorite part? The penguins watersliding through the world-famous Guggenheim Museum.  And I quote “Mom, isn’t that where Will Smith was chasing that guy in Men In Black?” See, movies can be educational!

It’s a fun family film, with big lessons on what’s important in life, and how the past doesn’t always define who we are. Yeah, yeah, it’s a funny movie with Gentoo penguins and Jim Carrey.

Disclaimer: We attended this screening through Allied Integrated Marketing and no compensation was provided. The information provided here is my own personal opinion.