Happy Feet: B

In this bizarre animated musical a penguin goes on a quest to...you know, find himself. Along the way ethnic characters pop up to make us laugh (most of them voiced by Robin Williams), lessons about the economy and self-worth are learned, and the audience as a whole is invited to collectively sigh as one: Oh what happy, sweet animation that keeps my kids busy for just 2 more hours!

If the above sounds like film hell to you, than guess what? You're in luck, I felt the same way. The moment I sat down in my inordinately crowded theater full of animals I wished more than anything I was watching Casino Royale again. Luckily I'm here to tell you I didn't lose my sanity during the picture. In fact, I went out smiling.

Such is the magic of a quirky picture from that outrageously gifted prophet of ominpresent doom: George Miller, the writer-director behind such cataclysmic confections as the Mad Max trilogy. As envisioned by Miller, penguins sing to survive and when one of their own, Mumble (Elijah Wood), can only manage a few groovy steps he is laughed at and exiled with prompt puritanism. In his gloom he meets 5 mexican penguins, led by the charismatic Ramone (Robin Williams), who teach him the value of confidence. Antics ensue involving a Texas aquarium and a large group dance number.

What strikes me most though in that muddled plot is the sheer uncomprising originality of Miller's work. Take for example his music: it isn't top notch but it is top notch nihilism (adults will smirk at the opening, sexy number "All I Need Are Your Eggs"). His script may be heavier than the sparkling perfection of any Pixar flick but it goes where Pixar dares to tread: in grit and palpable doom.

As his camera goes whizzing about beautiful animation and dazzling sequences of motion and danger unfold what keeps popping up in my head is: how he'd go from assless chaps to dancing penguins?! Thank goodness he made the jump well.