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Animated penguins!!! Now there’s a novel idea . . . again.
Surf’s Up is the latest animation blockbuster starring the voice of Shia LeBeouf as the main penguin character, Cody Maverick. His buddy, Chicken Joe, is voiced by John Heder. The movie was created to look like a documentary of a world championship surfing competition. Most of the entrants are penguins, except of course for Chicken Joe. Competitors from around the world gather to compete in or watch the big event which is named for a legendary surfer that had been killed during a previous competition. Cody wants to be the best, but first has to travel down a road of personal enlightenment complete with a little romance. Before Chicken Joe competes, he travels down his own crazy road of adventure. And in the end, regardless of who wins, important lessons are learned by the characters while the audience gets to enjoy a delightful and funny movie.
Surf’s Up actually has few similarities with its animated penguin brother Happy Feet. Happy Feet is like the Broadway musical of penguin movies, whereas Surf’s Up is like the TV reality show of penguin movies. But, an animated reality show is a fresh idea, and a good one. The interaction between the film crew and the cute characters creates some funny scenes. And, the story is straightforward, entertaining, and even a little inspiring . . . complete with a simple but meaningful message. Happy Feet is probably the better penguin movie, and Surf’s Up probably isn’t quite as witty as it should be, but it’s a cute movie that both kids and adults will enjoy. |
