March
of the Penguins (***)
review by Jon
Waterman
Once a year, the Emperor penguins of the Antarctic migrate
towards a common ground. They come from tens of miles away,
gathering in this central location for the purpose of breeding.
The masses mingle around this giant school dance party and
eventually find their mate for the year. Once the breeding
has finished and the egg has formed, the two parents take turns
returning to their respective homes to eat and bring back nourishment
for their young chicks. It may sound easy, but breeding season
also brings the harshest weather and the farthest journeys
to and from home.
If cartoons have taught me anything, it’s that penguins
are funny. Just look at that little guy from Looney Tunes,
Tennessee Tuxedo (from the Underdog family) and even the decidedly
unfunny “Madagascar” had penguins you could laugh
out loud to. This film capitalizes on this indisputable fact
and shows the flightless birds bumping and sliding into each
other on accident several times. It’s filled with plenty
of situations that aren’t really funny, but they are
made so because they’re cute and because of our ability
to relate to them. Plus they waddle and flop on their bellies.
It ain’t all laughs, though. These penguins face more
danger than most of us ever will just so they can procreate.
Most of this is rather anti-climactic, as you sort of expect
to see some casualties when a new menace is mentioned. That
doesn’t mean it’s boring to watch. How could it
be when you have the age and smoke-worn voice of Morgan Freeman
as your tour guide? The narration, written by Jordan Roberts
(“Around
the Bend”), is surprisingly informative
while avoiding the sound and feel of a television nature program.
It doesn’t simply act as a blind man’s eyes; it
provides a fuller picture and enhances the story with details,
facts and emotion.
Couple that with the astounding visual side and you have one
captivating movie. Director Luc Jacquet brings us up close
and very personal with the birds. Similar to “Winged
Migration” you sort of wonder how the animals allowed
this filming to take place. It’s a marvelous piece of
filmmaking. Some of the best documentaries of all time have
been set in harsh conditions like this. I don’t think “March” is
quite on par with the likes of “Nanook of the North” or Merian
C. Cooper's “Grass,” but
the similarities definitely exist and audience interest is
ever-present. If I had any complaints with it, it would be
that they rely too much on their all-access pass. We’re
practically flooded with extreme, feather counting close-ups.
It began to feel like they were showing off. It also didn’t
seem like the full emotional weight of the story really came
across in the editing like it should have. I almost feel like
they could have just cut it down to Discovery Channel length
(even if that wouldn’t be as profitable, it would be
more effective). Also, some of the underwater shots look utterly
phony. I wouldn’t be surprised if I found out computers
were used to increase the action.
Yet this film would make for a wonderful family outing. Kids
and adults alike will love watching the cute penguin babies.
Come on! How adorable are they?! The film is a nice mix of
entertainment and education (mostly the former). So, grab your
little tuxes and either glide on your bellies or waddle on
into the theater. It’ll be worth the march.
respond to jon@filmbrats.com
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