The latest film in our Family Movie Night series will take us on an icy adventure. “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” directed by Mark Waters and released in 2011, stands out as a fun and left-of-centre pick for families looking to bond over a movie that’s both entertaining, heartwarming and of course has lovable penguins.
Plot
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” dives into the life of Tom Popper, a high-flying real estate mogul whose life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits six penguins. This peculiar legacy transforms his swanky New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland and his life into a series of comedic escapades. As Popper struggles to juggle his career ambitions with his new role as a penguin caretaker, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the true value of family and friendship. The plot weaves together moments of hilarity with touching scenes, creating a story that speaks to both children and adults alike.
Cast
The magic of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” is brought to life and led by the ever-charismatic Jim Carrey, who plays Tom Popper. Carrey’s knack for physical comedy makes him the perfect fit for a character undergoing such a unique transformation. Supporting him is a talented ensemble including Carla Gugino as Amanda Popper, Popper’s ex-wife, who brings a sense of warmth and realism to the family dynamics. The penguins themselves, with names like Captain, Lovey, and Nimrod, steal the show with their antics, creating a seamless blend of live-action and CGI that adds to the film’s charm.
Reviews
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” won’t show up very high on the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes ratings — but that’s not to say it’s not an enjoyable family movie night pick.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has scored only a 53% Audience Score, which is also echoed over on IMDb with a score of 6.0/10 from over 100,000 reviews.
Trailer
Memorable Scenes
When fans reminisce about “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” certain scenes inevitably come to mind. One such moment is the uproarious bathroom scene, where the penguins turn a simple bath time into a chaotic and hilarious spectacle. Another unforgettable scene is the grand birthday party, where the penguins’ antics lead to a series of comedic mishaps, showcasing the film’s perfect blend of humor and chaos. These moments, among others, encapsulate the film’s ability to deliver laughter and joy, making them etched in the memories of viewers.
Fun Fact
A couple of tidbits about “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” that might surprise even the most avid fans include the intricate training behind the scenes. The penguins in the film were a mix of real animals and CGI, with the live penguins undergoing extensive training to perform their on-screen antics. Additionally, Jim Carrey himself admitted to forming a close bond with the penguin cast, highlighting the off-screen camaraderie that contributed to the film’s on-screen magic.