(MOVIE REVIEW) Mr. Popper’s Penguins provides a pleasant family picture but didn’t pique my personal picture preference

Do you know what is twice as cute as a kitten but never sheds? Me. Know what is a close runner up? Penguins. I dare anyone to go to the zoo, watch them playing and waddling around, and tell me that they are not adorable. We are incapable of resisting their adorableness and that is why they will one day rule the world...but that is another story for another time. 

Mr. Popper’s Penguins is based off of a beloved children’s book from 1938. The film adaptation centers around Tom Popper (Carrey), a very successful business man, and his estranged wife and children. Popper has worked his way up the corporate ladder for years and is on the verge of making partner, but before that can happen his bosses inform him that he must obtain the infamous Tavern on the Green located in Central Park. While focused on the task at hand he receives a package from his recently deceased father. What Popper first believes to be a stuffed penguin turns out to be the real deal. When one penguin quickly becomes six, the shenanigans begin. His children become attached to the penguins, so Popper tries to find a way to make it work. This proves to be harder than he originally thought and he finds himself defending his new role to his bosses, neighbors, and to a zoo keeper determined to take the penguins to the zoo. When his life turns upside down, and his character is put to the test, will Popper remain a slave to his career, or will the penguins help him become the father and husband that he was always meant to be? 

I’m not a fan of Jim Carrey’s comedy. I actually prefer him in more serious roles like The Majestic, Man on the Moon, or The Number 23. So it’s no surprise that I’m not a big fan of his comedy in this movie. However, he has a few scenes that are pretty touching and show the better side of his range, which I thought were great. Also, the real stars of this movie are the penguins, and they are really funny and very entertaining.

Worth the admission? Definitely for a family outing, but not so much if you are looking for anything with substance. While cute, the movie doesn’t stick with you past the parking lot. I say watch it with the kids or rent it later.