Babe: Pig in the City (1998)
Directed by
George Miller
Tagline: This little pig went to the city...
(more)
Plot Outline:
Babe, fresh from his victory in the sheepherding contest, returns to Farmer
Hoggett's farm, but after Farmer Hoggett is injured and unable to work, Babe
has to go to the big city to save the farm.
(more)
(view trailer)
Rating: 6.4/10
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Cast overview, first billed only: |
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Mrs. Esme Cordelia Hoggett |
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Farmer Arthur Hoggett |
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The Landlady |
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Fugly Floom, the Speechless Man in Hotel |
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Babe the Gallant Pig (voice) (as E.G. Daily) |
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Ferdinand the Duck/Tug/Additional Voices (voice) |
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Zootie (voice) |
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Bob (voice) |
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Thelonius (voice) |
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Easy/Tough Pup (voice) |
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Easy (voice) |
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The Pitbull/The Doberman (voice) |
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The Pink Poodle/Choir Cat (voice) |
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Flealick (voice) |
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Nigel/Alan (voice) |
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User Comments:
In my opinion one of the year's best films, I cannot help
but pity poor Universal and director George Miller for the loss of the sequel
to "Babe." Kudos go to them for making a film so original and daring, so out
of place in the family film market today, as it defies almost everything that
stands for these days: you don't forget the entire movie within a few hours;
rather, it stays with you, filling your head with bold and imaginative images
that rival those of the best children's books out there.
"Babe: Pig in the City" is much like many other great sequels ("The Empire
Strikes Back," "Aliens") in that it is superior to the original but so
different from it, that it is not even worth making a comparison of the two.
Why have so many people rejected it? Why was it on so many critics' ten best
lists, and the public shunned it so much? It is really rather simple. There is
no place for a THOUGHT-PROVOKING family film in this day and age, with the
exception of perhaps "The Prince of Egypt."
The thing that makes me laugh here is, teenagers and adults alike are
commenting on how violent "Babe 2" is, yet if I remember correctly few or no
animals at all die in the film. And no big deal seems to be made when the same
stuff happens to human beings in "family films."
To be honest, I don't think they should have rated it G, simply because it
seems that anyone seeing this under the age of nine would be confused and
perplexed by it. Most people over that age however should be able to follow it
well, and understand that the things happening in it are no worse than what
kids (and especially teens) see everyday, whether it's on TV's "The Simpsons"
(my favorite show) or something at the multiplex (a whole ARMY of people gets
drowned in "The Prince of Egypt"- a PG rated film).
In the end I am truly hoping that "Babe: Pig in the City" is given at least
some Oscar nominations, especially for the art direction, cinematography, and
visual effects- all of which were superb. A great movie, even though it has
not found an audience.
This movie just screams: "Give it another chance!"
Trivia: A billboard on the city skyline reads "Eternity." This refers to the eccentric mission of reformed petty criminal Arthur Stace, who in 1932 began anonymously chalking the single word "Eternity" in copperplate style on footpaths around Sydney. He continued until his death in 1967. ("Eternity" also was featured in the finale of Sydney's fireworks display on New Years Day 2000.) (more)
The Dish (2000)
Directed by
Rob Sitch
Genre: Comedy
Tagline: As Neil Armstrong set foot on
the moon, our only link was a satellite dish in rural Australia with a few
bugs (And a few hundred sheep).
(more)
Plot Outline: A remote Australian antenna, populated by
quirky characters, plays a key role in the first Apollo moon landing.
(more)
(view trailer)
Rating: 7.2/10
| Cast overview, first billed only: | ||
| Sam Neill | .... | Cliff Buxton |
| Kevin Harrington | .... | Ross 'Mitch' Mitchell |
| Tom Long | .... | Glenn Latham |
| Patrick Warburton | .... | Al Burnett |
| Genevieve Mooy | .... | May McIntyre |
| Tayler Kane | .... | Rudi Kellerman |
| Bille Brown | .... | Prime Minister |
| Roy Billing | .... | Mayor Robert 'Bob' McIntyre |
| Andrew S. Gilbert | .... | Len Purvis |
| Lenka Kripac | .... | Marie McIntyre |
| Matthew Moore | .... | Keith Morrison |
| Eliza Szonert | .... | Janine Kellerman |
| John McMartin | .... | U.S. Ambassador Howard |
| Carl Snell | .... | Billy McIntyre |
| Billy Mitchell | .... | Cameron |
User Comments: One small step for man, one giant leap for Parkes.
"The Dish" tells of a small group of people who operated a giant radio telescope in Parkes, NSW, Australia which captured the weak signals from the Apollo 11 1969 lunar landing and moon walk with its behemoth parabolic reflector. A light hearted and fun romp involving the scientists and the townsfolk, all buoyed by pride over their big dish and involvement with the historical NASA mission, "The Dish" relies heavily on the viewers sense of awe and nostalgia as the "...Giant leap for mankind" is taken. A easy-going and somewhat austere film which manages a subtle and lovely sense of humor and heart, "The Dish" will have broad appeal but should play best with those who remember July 20, 1969. (
Trivia: Visa d'exploitation en France : # 1O4714. MPAA certificate # 38002
The Wog Boy (2000)
Directed by
Aleksi Vellis
Genre:
Comedy
Tagline: Every wog has his day.
Plot Summary: Steve liked Celia from the moment they met. But following
a clash with her boss, Raelene Beagle-Thorpe...
(more)
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Cast overview, first billed only: |
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Steve Karamatsis/Steve's Mum/Steve's Dad |
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Frank |
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Celia O'Brien |
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Annie O'Brien |
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Dominic |
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Nathan |
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Tran |
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Raelene Beagle-Thorpe |
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Theo |
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Himself |
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Van |
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Bazza |
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Shazza |
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Supervisor |
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Nightclub Girl |
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User Comments: crack up !!
(more)
I thought this movie was a crack up, it was good that it was more than a love story but rather a comedy about a race of friends and their views of life in an Australian society. I thought they all did a great job, and it's good to see that Abi Tucker and Lucy Bell got into something great after "heartbreak high" and "murder call" ! Nick Giannopolous does an excellent job as his character Steve, and a great job and creating this movie
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
Directed by
Phillip Noyce
Tagline: 1500 Miles Is A Long Way Home
(more)
Plot Outline: In 1931, three aboriginal girls escape after
being plucked from their homes to be trained as domestic staff and set off on
a trek across the Outback.
(more)
(view trailer)
Rating: 7.7/10
| Cast overview, first billed only: | ||
| Everlyn Sampi | .... | Molly Craig |
| Tianna Sansbury | .... | Daisy Kadibill |
| Laura Monaghan | .... | Gracie Fields |
| David Gulpilil | .... | Moodoo |
| Ningali Lawford | .... | Maud |
| Myarn Lawford | .... | Molly's Grandmother |
| Deborah Mailman | .... | Mavis |
| Jason Clarke | .... | Constable Riggs |
| Kenneth Branagh | .... | A.O. Neville |
| Natasha Wanganeen | .... | Nina, Dormitory Boss |
| Garry McDonald | .... | Mr. Neal at Moore River |
| Roy Billing | .... | Police Inspector |
| Lorna Leslie | .... | Miss Thomas |
| Celine O'Leary | .... | Miss Jessop |
| Kate Roberts | .... | Matron at Moore River |
User Comments: Statement movie about a bad chapter in
Australian history
Official policy between 1910 and 1970 in Australia allowed half-caste Aborigine children to be forcibly removed from their families and incarcerated ‘for their own' good in training schools where their were educated to become fitting servants for white families. This institutionalised eugenics, still recent enough to be remembered by its victims, is still a controversial issue in Australia where the PM John Howard refuses to give an official apology. The film has been doing very well in Australia. The story follows three such girls who are forcibly re-located but escape, and follow the ‘rabbit-proof fence' on a 1500 mile journey back home. The title itself seems to echo not only the yellow brick road of the Wizard of Oz (another journey to reclaim one's wholeness) but the fence that was erected to contain animals – which is just how the Aborigine children are treated, albeit with the best intentions. The story was adapted from a book by the daughter of the youngest surviving half-cast Aborigine portrayed in the film – the actual child actors had mostly never seen a motion picture before let alone acted in one.
Trivia: The last scene in the movie, which shows the real-life Molly walking with a walking stick, was shot first. According to Phillip Noyce, during an interview after a screening, Molly's age and health made it so that it would be best if that scene was shot first. (more)
Whale Rider (2002)
Directed by
Niki Caro
Tagline: One young girl dared to
confront the past, change the present and determine the future
(more)
Plot Outline: A contemporary story of love, rejection and
triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather
refuses to recognize.
(more)
(view trailer)
Rating: 7.8/10
| Cast overview, first billed only: | ||
| Keisha Castle-Hughes | .... | Paikea |
| Rawiri Paratene | .... | Koro |
| Vicky Haughton | .... | Nanny Flowers |
| Cliff Curtis | .... | Porourangi |
| Grant Roa | .... | Uncle Rawiri |
| Mana Taumaunu | .... | Hemi |
| Rachel House | .... | Shilo |
| Taungaroa Emile | .... | Willie |
| Tammy Davis | .... | Dog |
| Mabel Wharekawa | .... | Maka (as Mabel Wharekawa-Burt) |
| Rawinia Clarke | .... | Miro |
| Tahei Simpson | .... | Miss Parata |
| Roi Taimana | .... | Hemi's Dad (as Roimata Tamana) |
| Elizabeth Skeen | .... | Rehua |
| Tyronne White | .... | Jake (as Tyrone White) |
User Comments: It made me cry. A real machismo meltdown.
A beautifully filmed and convincingly acted treat for the entire family.
Adults need NOT beware since the film respects its audience and contains
levels of depth suitable for all ages. Although ultimately an upbeat movie,
there are some grim plot elements that may not be appropriate for very young
or overly sensitive children. However, there's no actual violence or anything
truly frightening or morbid.
This is the story of a 12 year old Maori girl who knows that she is born to
the destiny her grandfather believes died with her stillborn twin brother. I
won't spoil the ending (which is hinted at early on) with specifics, but
suffice it to say that the story's ultimate lesson is that change is sometimes
as necessary a component of living traditions as repetitive ceremony. And that
the Maori must ride that "whale" as bravely as their mythological ancestor
rode the whale from Havaiki (a satellite island of Tahiti, NOT Hawaii) to New
Zealand. Not to destroy or denigrate their culture, but to ensure its vitality
and continuity in the cultural matrix of the modern world.
A great lesson in true cultural diversity without preachy slogans or
"politically correct" censorship. It should be shown in all the world's
classrooms. Keisha Castle-Hughes is unforgettable as the heroine, and richly
deserves the Oscar for which she has been nominated.
Trivia: Many of Pai's swimming scenes were in fact done by Keisha Castle-Hughes's stand-in Waio Parata-Haua, because Keisha Castle-Hughes could not swim well. (more)
Japanese Story (2003)
Directed by
Sue Brooks
Genre: Drama
Plot Summary: Against the background of
an Australian desert landscape, so much space and so few people, Sandy, a
geologist...
(more)
(view trailer)
Rating: 7.0/10
| Cast overview, first billed only: | ||
| Toni Collette | .... | Sandy Edwards |
| Gotaro Tsunashima | .... | Hiromitsu Tachibana |
| Matthew Dyktynski | .... | Bill Baird |
| Lynette Curran | .... | Mum |
| Yumiko Tanaka | .... | Yukiko Tachibana |
| Kate Atkinson | .... | Jackie |
| Bill Young | .... | Jimmy Smithers |
| Reg Evans | .... | Bloke in Row Boat |
| George Shevtsov | .... | James |
| Justine Clarke | .... | Jane |
| Igor Sas | .... | Fraser |
| Mike Frencham | .... | Blake |
| John Howard | .... | Richards |
| Phil Bennett | .... | Barman |
| Heath Bergersen | .... | Petrol Bloke |
User Comments: Outstanding and Beautiful - Australian Haiku
This is, apparently, a love it or hate it movie. As is the case with such films those on one side have a hard time understanding the view of the opposite. I am fully in that camp, I thought this film was stark and beautiful--as moving in its silence and mundane moments as it was illuminating. For those who say there is no plot, well I clearly saw a different film, there is more story and intention in simple small details as there are in a whole series of other films. Toni Collette was amazing and Gotaro Tsunashima was perfect, capturing the emotional compression and exploration of his character with clarity and skill. In a film full of striking absolutely believable and full moments -- the furtive exploratory glances as the two leads drive through the desert, and Toni's fascination with Gotaro's nearly hairless arms say so much about the characters', their history, their assumptions, their prejudices. Incredibly moving, shattering emotionally, and ultimately deeply profound. A haiku-like meditation on living and sharing--I loved it.
The Wannabes (2003)
Directed by
Nick Giannopoulos
Genre:
Comedy
Tagline: Kid's entertainment, it's criminal.
Plot Outline: The world's worst actor Danny, meets the world's worst
crook Marcus and their lives are changed forever...
Rating: 4.0/10
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Cast overview, first billed only: |
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Danny |
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Marcus |
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Kirsty |
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Jimmy King |
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Aurora 'Rory' Van Dyke |
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Stewie |
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Adrian |
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Hammer |
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Sally |
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Oliver |
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Lita (as Jemma Rivera Wilks) |
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Barney the Bear |
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Granville Van Dyke |
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Bill Gennaro |
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Elvis Elvis |
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User Comments: Gotta love it...
'The Wannabes,' in my opinion was one of THE best comedies of 2003. It had me in stitches laughing for most of the movie. People are saying that 'The Wannabes' was a disappointment, well I say... they are totally wrong! I loved the movie. I highly recommend 'The Wannabes' but just a warning... don't take anyone under the age of 12. I saw it at 11, some parts were inappropriate for an 11 year old to see but overall, I enjoyed it. I give 'The Wannabes' 8.5 out of 10.
Somersault (2004)
Directed by
Cate Shortland
Genre:
Drama
Tagline: Love can turn you upside down.
Plot Outline: New experiences help a young girl learn the
differences between sex and love.
(view trailer)
Rating: 6.8/10
| Cast overview, first billed only: | ||
| Abbie Cornish | .... | Heidi |
| Sam Worthington | .... | Joe |
| Lynette Curran | .... | Irene |
| Nathaniel Dean | .... | Stuart |
| Erik Thomson | .... | Richard |
| Leah Purcell | .... | Diane |
| Hollie Andrew | .... | Bianca |
| Paul Gleeson | .... | Roy |
| Damian De Montemas | .... | Adam, Nicoles's lover |
| Olivia Pigeot | .... | Nicole, Heidi's mother |
| Alex Babic | .... | Brian, the barman |
| Elizabeth Muntar | .... | Bus ticket vendor |
| Justin Martin | .... | Guy |
| Ben Tate | .... | Sean |
| Joshua Phillips | .... | Josh |
User Comments: Nice acting, shame about the story - or lack
thereof
Beautifully shot and well acted, but as a movie this fails as anything other than a character study, and is frustrating even as that. There is no real plot. The closest you could come to encapsulating what the film is about would be to describe it as a coming-of-age story for the lead character, Heidi. But does she really grow or mature that much? And what exactly is going on with the other character who fills the screen for much of the movie - Joe? We never find out. I'm sorry, but I get the "I'm a country bloke and I have trouble showing me feelings" bit in the first 10 minutes I've seen him on screen. I need a bit more than that to sustain me in such a film that relies on character as much as this one. And there ain't much more. Lots of moody shots of Lake Jindabyne and close-ups of Abbie Cornish internalising her emotions do not a movie make. A story would be nice. That's what most folks want when they pay their $15 to see a movie, and maybe that's why, despite all the awards in a weak field of Australian films this year, this film is failing to get much of an audience through the door.
Trivia: The coach that Heidi boards to take her to Jindabyne is shown to depart from the Belconnen bus interchange in North Canberra (there is a bit of artistic license at work here as the Belconnen interchange only deals with Canberra's internal bus service). (more)
Look Both Ways (2005)
Directed by
Sarah Watt
Genre:
Drama /
Thriller
(more)
Tagline: Disaster Is Everywhere
Plot Outline: During one unusually hot weekend, four friends
struggle after hearing some life-changing news.
(view trailer)
Rating: 7.5/10
| Credited cast: | |||
| Justine Clarke | .... | Meryl | |
| William McInnes | .... | Nick | |
| Anthony Hayes | .... | Andy Walker | |
| Lisa Flanagan | .... | Anna | |
| Andrew S. Gilbert | .... | Phil | |
| Daniella Farinacci | .... | Julia | |
| Maggie Dence | .... | Joan | |
| Edwin Hodgeman | .... | Jim | |
| Andreas Sobik | .... | Train driver | |
| Sacha Horler | .... | Linda | |
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| Alex Rafalowicz | .... | Train Driver's Son | |
| Daniel Whyte | .... | Dinner guest | |
User Comments: A Matter of Life and Death
I've just seen this movie for the first time and thought
I would pen a short comment, but feel that Look Both Ways is a movie that
could improve with multiple viewings...
Over the space of a weekend we follow a group of ordinary Australians who are
mostly connected through the tragedy of a train crash.
We watch as couples and families work through their feelings, cope with their
relationships, and manage health problems.
In so doing Look Both Ways explores the ups and downs we all face as we lead
our lives and has a relevance for each and every viewer. It's not just light
entertainment, there is a serious message here as well.
And yet this is not a movie that has actors preaching to the audience; in fact
there is very limited dialogue. The movie is often carried by fast-moving
images and an eclectic soundtrack.
Wolf Creek (2005)
Directed by
Greg McLean
Genre:
Adventure /
Crime /
Horror /
Thriller
Tagline: The thrill is in the hunt
(more)
Plot Outline: A chilling, factually-based, story of three road-trippers
in remote Australia who are plunged into danger when they accept help from a
friendly local.
(more)
(view trailer)
Rating: 6.2/10
|
Cast overview, first billed only: |
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Mick Taylor |
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Liz Hunter |
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Kristy Earl |
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Ben Mitchell |
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Old Man |
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Car Salesman |
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Mechanic |
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Petrol Attendant |
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Bazza |
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Bazza's Mate |
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Bazza's Old Mate |
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Flashback Dad |
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Flashback Mom |
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Flashback Girl |
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Irish Backpacker |
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User Comments: a terrifying non psychological horror? thats a first
wow! like many other movies i review, i literally only just saw this. and i must say that I'm impressed with the SAFC, this is a truly horrific movie. The highlights: * Unknown cast- gave the movie a very realistic atmosphere. i was so happy to realise that none of the actors were remotely familiar. * Low Budget- the obvious low budget gave the film a gritty and unsettling appearance. the locations were convincing and didn't look too perfected for cinema. * Character Development- This was my favorite aspect of the movie. unlike the corny Hollywood slasher/horrors that jump straight into the gore, this movie gave about an hour of very carefully planned events made solely to adapt to the characters. it was strange because although nothing was really happening during that hour, it still seemed interesting. I've come to realise that this was because of how realistic it was to show non-eventful scenes. not every second of life has something interesting. * Psycho- Mick Taylor was a very creepy character because of how familiar his behaviour is. before we see his psychopathic ways, he comes across as just some friendly bloke trying to lend a hand. and his creepy smile is still terrifying long after the movie has ended.
Trivia: The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Northern Territory asked the film distributor to delay screening the film until after the trial of Bradley John Murdoch, accused of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio. Murdoch's trial commenced 17 October 2005.
Kokoda (2006)
Directed by
Alister Grierson
Genre:
Drama /
War
Plot Outline: A bitter battle is fought between Australian and Japanese
soldiers along the Kokoda trail in New Guinea during World War II.
Rating: 6.8/10 (189 votes)
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Credited cast: |
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Jack Scholt |
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Darko |
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Max Scholt |
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Burke |
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Johnno |
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Sam |
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Wilstead |
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Blue |
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Dan |
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The Lieutenant |
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The Doctor |
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The Colonel |
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Officer - AIF |
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Injured Soldier |
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User Comments: A very moving and extremely well made war movie (more)
I was very impressed
when I saw this movie a few days ago. By watching the movie it gives a great
outlook to the new generation of Australian film-making, now it seems that
Australia is almost equal with the Americans in terms of effects and
cinematography etc. I heard about the film at the beginning of the year and I
was impressed that the Aussies have put together what seems to be their first
attempt at a WWII film (They have been making WWI films for ages, most are
very good films). So I followed the information on the movie closely and I was
looking forward to the final product. The only problem when it was released
was that it was such a small movie there aren't many cinemas around that were
showing it, but I was lucky enough to find a place that did, and it was worth
the wait; every last minute!
The movie follows a group of 'chocolate' soldiers, which are ill equipped
soldiers that have been said to 'melt' during battle. They have set up HQ on
the Kokoda trail during WWII, trying to defend it from the Japs. A small group
of the chocolate soldiers who seem to be forward defence loose their position
to the Japanese soldiers and are cut off from the rest of the group. We then
follow this small group trying to get back to HQ and meet up with the rest of
the patrol. The soldiers are then faced with harsh terrain, which proves to be
a bit of a problem during their journey. They are also expecting
reinforcements soon from the AIF, so the are looking forward to going home.
One of the choco soldiers - Jack Scholt (Jack Finsterer) - becomes the
makeshift leader of the group and tries to deal with the harsh conditions and
of course has to make hard decisions to get his men back safely. To win the
war on the Kokoda trail it includes many battles and lots of loss of life, and
ends with a very moving and stellar ending.
For a low budget Aussie production this is an excellent movie, and first time
director Grierson doesn't hesitate to load the movie with gore and detail. It
was shot using hand-held camera-work much like Spielberg's 'Saving Private
Ryan', and the effect is extremely effective, and like other war films it does
a great job to put us in the midst of the action and make us believe what it
going on. This is a very important event in Australian history and with an
excellent film like this the heroes of war have been honoured with this
masterpiece!
In my opinion this film can be an Australian version of 'Platoon' as this
movie examines the harsh realities of war and the difficulties they must face
when fighting like leaving men behind, diseases and the nasty bugs that bite.
This film may not be as good as Peter Weir's classic 'Gallipoli' but it is
certainly still excellent and a real treat. This is a highly recommended war
movie, it does much better than a lot of American war movies and I really
enjoyed it.
10/10, I loved this movie. Go and see this now!
The Map of Kokoda Trail
Ten Canoes (2006)
Directed by
Rolf de Heer
Peter Djigirr
Genre:
Adventure /
Comedy /
Drama /
History /
War
Tagline: Ten canoes, three wives, one hundred and fifty
spears...trouble
Plot Outline: During one unusually hot weekend, four friends
struggle after hearing some life-changing news.
(view trailer)
Rating: 7.5/10
| Credited cast: | ||
| Richard Birrinbirrin | .... | Birrinbirrin |
| Johnny Buniyira | .... | Canoeist/Warrior |
| Peter Djigirr | .... | Canoeist/The Victim/Warrior |
| Frances Djulibing | .... | Nowalingu |
| David Gulpilil | .... | The Storyteller |
| Jamie Gulpilil | .... | Dayindi/Yeeralparil |
| Crusoe Kurddal | .... | Ridjimiraril |
| Peter Minygululu | ||
User Comments: A novelty for locals, a rare bird for everyone else.
Rolf de Heer's film premiered as part of the Adelaide Festival with sound
problems dogging the otherwise pristine print. The film looks great, and the
narration with David Gulpilil is too important to miss, obviously, as I found
it very difficult to keep up with the extremely complex set up/story. When
hearing a new language such as this it is important to hear things clearly -
sadly the capacity of the Adelaide Festival to screen the film was lacking on
this front.
That said, the film is filled with compelling visuals not unlike one of the
earlier films of de Heer, and it has some very quaint (albeit base) amusement
wrapped into the story.
Set a 1000 years ago before white fellas came to Australia, this is a dual
story, one told in the immediate black and white/sepia world of reality, and
one told in the rich color of the Aboriginal dream time... both stories are
pretty much the same, and the roles are played by the same actors in each, so
there are points where it's easy to get a little confused by who is doing what
and when - but over all this is what you'd call a worthy film - it has the
look of an old documentary at times, and that's not a bad look.
I enjoyed it despite the technological problems of this screening.
Trivia: The title "Ten Canoes" was inspired by a photograph shown to Director Rolf de Heer by Aboriginal actor David Gulpilil. The picture was of group of ten native men in their bark canoes on the Arafura swamp. The photo was taken by anthropologist Dr Donald Thomson who worked in central and north-eastern Arnhem Land seventy years earlier during the mid-1930s. (more)
Happy Feet (2006)
Directed by
George Miller
Genre:Animation
/ Adventure /
Comedy /
Family /
Musical
(more)
Tagline: WARNING: May Cause Toe-Tapping.
Plot Outline: Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who
find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he
can tap dance something fierce!
(view trailer)
Rating: 6.8/10
| Elijah Wood | .... | Mumble (voice) | |
| Brittany Murphy | .... | Gloria (voice) | |
| Hugh Jackman | .... | Memphis (voice) | |
| Nicole Kidman | .... | Norma Jean (voice) | |
| Hugo Weaving | .... | Noah the Elder (voice) | |
| Robin Williams | .... | Ramón/Lovelace (voice) | |
| Johnny A. Sanchez | .... | Lombardo (voice) | |
| Carlos Alazraqui | .... | Néstor (voice) | |
| Lombardo Boyar | .... | Raul (voice) | |
| Jeff Garcia | .... | Rinaldo (voice) | |
| Fat Joe | .... | Seymour (voice) | |
| Magda Szubanski | .... | Miss Viola (voice) | |
| Miriam Margolyes | .... | Mrs. Astrakhan (voice) | |
| Elizabeth Daily | .... | Baby Mumble (voice) (as E.G. Daily) | |
| Alyssa Shafer | .... | Baby Gloria (voice) |
User Comments: Heavy Handed Morality Lesson in a tuneful package.
Happy Feet would have been really worthwhile, if its writers had made any
attempt at all to write a good story instead of using the film as an excuse
for constantly bashing the viewer with images and narrative bemoaning the
terrible consequences of pollution and unrestrained exploitation of resources.
I found the movie to be overly violent in some spots for younger children,
even though the majority of the film seemed to be intended for a young
audience. The music and animation were excellent, and the interplay between
some of the characters was reasonably good, though there were some odd gaps in
the narrative which needed more explanation.
At times, the film seemed to be assuming an adult audience, at others
(especially the more violent scenes) a teenage audience, and most of the time,
it seemed to be aiming at a 5 to 8 year old audience. While this can be done
in an artful and cohesive fashion ("Shrek" and "The Incredibles" spring to
mind), any such artistry or cohesiveness is absent here.
All in all, although the intended message is admirable and the animation and
music were quite good; the poorly written plot line and dialog, inability to
decide who the audience was, and a heavy handed "preachy" approach, spoils the
film. It seems to be mostly an agenda-driven rush job intended to capitalize
on the popularity of last year's National Geographic "Penguins" film, rather
than a serious attempt to create a movie with any educational or artistic
merit and entertainment value.
I cannot recommend this film for any audience, and would recommend renting
"March of the Penguins" instead - a film which valued its subject (rather than
exploiting it), and which was presented in a well designed and heartfelt
manner.
Trivia: This film is dedicated to Steve Irwin. (more)