Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Mr Popper's Penguins

This is topic Mr Popper's Penguins in forum Film Handlers' Movie Reviews at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Stu Jamieson (Member # 4626) on 07-16-2011, 10:59 AM:

I should probably disclose up front that I viewed Mr Popper's Penguins with my 4yo daughter and, as any parent knows, the enjoyment you detect in your offspring automatically increases your own enjoyment by a factor of approximately five. As a result, I can place my hand on my heart and honestly proclaim that I enjoyed Mr Popper's Penguins "very much". But even casting a critical eye over the film and not taking it too seriously (we must remember the movies target audience - which is my daughter, not me) there's still sufficient interest here to while away an hour and a bit without getting bored.

The films singular greatest delight is Pippi (Ophelia Lovibond), Mr Popper's pretty, peppy P.A. who possesses a penchant for superfluous alliteration. In what is one of the running jokes of the film, the fact that she doesn't even realise she does it just adds to the adult fun (the kiddies don't realise she's doing it either). As a bonus, Ophelia Lovibond also provides ample eye candy for the dads in the audience, as does perennial daddy favourite, Carla Gugino, as ex-Mrs popper. Jim Carrey thankfully winds back the "Carreyness" in his performance to easily digestible chunks, allowing the charm of the titular flightless birds to share his spotlight.

The story consists of shrewd, New York real estate wheeler-dealer, Mr Popper (Jim Carrey), reconnecting with his estranged kids and wife through the conduit of the bequeathed penguins which invade his home. As serious as the subject of broken dysfunctional families is, none of it matters at all in a movie such as this where all that is really important is the cutesy penguinny antics. On this score, Mr Popper's Penguins delivers a slice of undemanding entertainment which is easy to enjoy; even more so if you have a little person to enjoy it with.

6.5 out of 10.

Posted by Tom Petrov (Member # 1534) on 07-17-2011, 11:16 AM:

Its sad to see Jim Carrey become so irrelevant. He used to command decent opens and strong numbers.

He has to get back to doing really crazy slap-stick stuff.

Posted by James Westbrook (Member # 3690) on 07-17-2011, 01:38 PM:

Tom Shadyac, the creator of Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, and Bruce Almighty wrecked his bicycle, suffered a head injury and decided to get out of the movie business.
This makes it more difficult for Jim Carrey to make his trademark silly movie.
He could do a Fire Marshall Bill movie...