Mr Popper’s Penguins preview screening

We were told to arrive at 9.45am for breakfast and fun in the foyer. They had laid on people face painting penguins onto arms and faces, balloon artists making balloon penguins, there was a vast selection of goodies to eat and drink, and there was even the chance to have your photo taken and put into a scene, as you can see above!!

About an hour later we were called to take our seats ready for the screening, by this stage Brooke had a super detailed and sparkly penguin painted onto her arm, and both her and jordan had balloon penguins and I had some gorgeous pictures of us all.The film started with some previews of more films coming out later this year, including new Glee, and much to my childrens delight, a new Alvin and the Chipmunks film, Chipwrecked!

Now I won’t lie, I am by no means a professional film critic but I thought you might like to hear my view of the film, and the kids views too!

Mr Popper’s Penguins is based around Mr Popper who is played by the very funny Jim Carrey.

The opening scenes are of Mr Popper as a child speaking to his absent explorer father through a cb radio, the strong bond they have is clear. His father sends home souveniers from his travels. It then switches to the present time with Mr Popper, who is now a hot shot property buyer who will use any means to purchase properties to knock down and build new buildings. Mr Popper is a father of 2 who is divorced, he lives in a posh apartment.

A package arrives for Mr Popper from his now deseased father, he cracks open the crate to find a frozen penguin, which Mr Popper assumes is stuffed…..he turns around and as slowly defrosts behind his back. Mr Popper repulsed by the gift, puts the penguin inside the bath tub and fills it with ice and toddles off to work completely unaware of what damage a penguin can do when left alone! Trying to send back the penguin another crate arrives, this time however, it contains 5 more penguins!! The film follows the story of the bond between Mr Popper and his own children, and shows how the penguins really bring them together, and even rekindles the relationship with the ex-wife. At the same time he still has to do his job of trying to become a partner in the company he has so worked so hard in.

This is a hilarious film that had us all laughing like loons. It has a great plot following Mr Popper’s job and relationship, that adults will love. It left me feeling really happy and in total awe that sometimes you need to remember what is really important in life. The animation of the penguins are amazing and at one point I was left wondering if they were actually real!!! The children adored the penguin scenes, especially when they poo!!
This is rated a PG certificate and in my opinion it is totally suitable for children to watch,I can’t find anything in it that I wouldn’t want my children watching. But I would say that young children wouldn’t understand the plot very well, they would enjoy the penguin scenes but I couldn’t see it engaging very young children for long period of time. This is a perfect film for children ages 6+ that is perfect for watching together, as both adults and children will love it.

This was a fabulous film that I simply cannot wait to see again.

Mr Popper’s Penguins is released in cinemas nationwide on 5th August 2011.