A wonderful family movie mixed with Jim Carrey's whimsical hilarity makes for a fun viewing for the whole family.
Tom Popper (Jim Carrey) is a highly paid and proficient businessman. Successful at what he does and having a steady lifestyle at his posh apartment, Tom doesn't really pay attention to his children, who are living with their mother. Sure he takes them out for the weekends but there is never really a strong bond between them. At the beginning of the film we are told about why Tom is the way he is towards the people closest to him. His father was an adventurer, traveling from location to location to fulfill his dreams while never really paying attention to the family he has at home despite coming back every now and then to visit and bring back souvenirs. And so, Tom has turned out the same way because of such neglect. In order to get his dream promotion from his bosses, Tom must acquire the Tavern on the Green, a restaurant that has a deep meaning in his life. The owner, Mrs. Van Gundy (played by the fabulous and still great looking Angela Lansbury) doesn't want to sell the tavern to just anyone, making Tom anxious as to how he will get her to reconsider. One day, Tom receives a "souvenir" from his now deceased father which threatens to turn his professional life upside down, and his family life around for the better. Penguins is not what Tom had bargained for, but these penguins are the catalysts that will open up Tom's cold heart and make him realize what is more important in his life.
I thought the film had a very pertinent message for families all over the world, even though some of the events seemed a little too fairy tale like because of Tom and his ex, Amanda's (Carla Gugino) rather warm relationship throughout the film. But nonetheless, it was very clear that although some people are divorced and living away from their kids, they still need to keep their attention on the events or situations that are happening in their children's lives and lend their advice and support to them at all times. Love is something no amount of money can buy, and the penguins are the ones who will ultimately guide Tom in the right direction to make him realize this.
I thought the characters were fairly realistic in their portrayal of a real life family and the penguins were absolutely adorable in every scene they were in. Tom's alliterate savvy assistant Pippi played by the charming Ophelia Lovibond was pitch-perfect for the part, with her dialogue being words starting with mostly P's. It was really quirky and amusing to hear her speak and I think children will find her speech contagious to their senses. I wondered why they didn't put her character in more scenes throughout the movie! It was definitely a brilliant touch to the story.
There are some emotional moments during the later part of the movie, but they are balanced out nicely by Jim Carrey's fine comedy during most of the first half of the film. I nearly cried during one scene concerning the penguins, so a spare tissue might be put to good use while viewing.
Let me close it up by saying that I really liked the main concept of the movie and I recommend it for all families to see whether it be families that live happily together, or families that are torn apart. It will bring everyone a little closer together and what more would you want from a "family" film. Enjoy!
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