SCREEN

Happy Feet begins with anthropomorphic animals singing—in this case, it's emperor penguins belting out pop songs and oldies in a bid to woo their mates. This leads to a quick lesson in penguin behavioral science (for those who missed March of the Penguins), where Ma leaves the egg with Pa while she goes fishing. Pa accidentally drops the egg from its warm nest and fears the cold did irreparable damage when, later, his son, Mumble, is born dancing instead of singing.

So we have the requisite cute baby bird (all set for its corresponding toy campaign) and the makings of an overly familiar lesson in diversity and tolerance. Mumble grows into adolescence still burdened by his flock's contempt for his dancing, but just when you think the movie will play out like the polar version of Footloose, the story takes a few unexpected turns.

Through a series of misadventures, Mumble winds up in the company of a smaller species of Latino-accented penguins. These diminutive sidekicks, a couple of which are voiced by Robin Williams, are absolutely hilarious. And suddenly the focus shifts from Mumble's dancing to close encounters with iceberg "aliens," who are, in fact, human beings.

Where the story goes from there is impossible to predict, and I dare not spoil it, but it includes striking cinematography, some heart-pounding chases, a few environmental issues, an almost mythological feel and, ultimately, even that satisfying lesson in tolerance. It's a splendid adventure, and I wouldn't mind a sequel. Happy Feet Beyond Thunderdome, perhaps?