Features > Movie Reviews > Happy Feet Two…

After picking up the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film and capturing audiences worldwide, Miller and most of the original cast - plus a handful of new additions - have attempted to recreate the success of the first film, with almost winning results.

The story opens in Emperor-land where the previously ostracised act of dancing has evolved into a full on penguin disco. Revolutionary penguin, Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) and his partner Gloria (Alecia Moore) are enjoying the musical movement and want their son, Erik (Ava Acres) to participate. But young Erik is struggling to find his place within the colony (much like his father in the previous film) and decides to make a hasty exit with his penguin pals Ramon (Robin Williams), Boadicia (Meibh Campbell) and Atticus (Lil P-Nut) in tow.

The four head to Adélie-Land, looking for guidance from guru penguin Lovelace (also voiced Williams) but when they arrive, they find that their idol has passed his powers to a “flying” penguin (actually a puffin) named Sven (Hank Azaria). Sven preaches “Sven Think” to his followers, telling them that anything is possible if they believe it hard enough.

Meanwhile, deep in the ocean, Miller introduces us to two new characters: Will (Brad Pitt) and Bill (Matt Damon), two ‘krill’ (little shrimp like creatures) who break free from their swarm, in search of bigger adventures. Cheeky Will, wants to work his way up the food chain and as he neatly puts it: “eat something with a face”, much to Bill’s reluctance.

Above ground, Mumble heads off to rescue his son from the misleading influence of Sven. On their return to the colony, they run into elephant seal Bryan the Beach Master (Richard Carter) and his two young sons. When Bryan falls into an icy crevice, Mumble takes it upon himself to get the oversized seal free, a favour which is later returned when the penguin colony also find themselves trapped in the icy Polar caps.

Miller was always going to have a tough challenge on his hands, continuing a much loved story with the same success. Happy Feet Two is perhaps a victim of its own ambition. It’s a movie that includes too many characters and, at times, a rather convoluted plot line – it’s difficult to develop the newer characters or spend any time with the characters you know and love.

That said, some of the new additions are welcome. Will and Bill the krill are an instant hit - you can tell that Pitt and Damon greatly enjoyed fleshing out these crustacean characters. Equally, the comedic efforts of Hank Azaria and Robin Williams add to the film’s fun side, in the same way Elijah Wood’s soft spoken Mumble serves as the film’s heart.

And let’s not forget the impressive visuals, which at times are reminiscent of the BBC’s Frozen Planet. Miller’s use of 3D, set up by his own company Dr. D Studios in Sydney, proves to be a real asset for Happy Feet Two - unlike many three dimensional movies of late.

For fans of the original, Happy Feet Two might not quite live up to expectations, but if you love the characters and are looking for a fun, entertaining and visually pleasing follow-up, then this is sequel serves its purpose.