Writer: Dhivashini

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Watch this if you liked: “Dr: Doolittle”, “Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”

Directed by Mark Waters ("Just Like Heaven", "Mean Girls"), "Mr Popper's Penguins", based on the children's book of the same name, follows Tom Popper (Jim Carrey), who plays a divorced but driven realtor who grew up most of his life with his father constantly travelling. The plot progresses as we see Tom trying to make amends with his family and winning over the elderly owner of Tavern on the Green (Angela Lansbury) for a business deal. Tom is then thrown out of his comfort zone when he has to suddenly take care of not one, but six penguins left for him by his late father. Throw in miscommunications, troubled relationships, adorable animals, underlying moral values, some 'awww' moments including the typical Carrey antics, and we have a perfect mix of comedy for the whole family.

Sounds like a perfectly normal family movie, but this is where it could ultimately be its own worst enemy. Carrey's elastic facial expressions are enough to keep you entertained throughout the movie. But if you are expecting an "Ace Ventura" out of this, it's best to keep your hopes lowered. The penguins when computerised came off looking real, and Carrey with his natural way with animals works out brilliantly. It gives us uncomplicated laughs to keep us entertained.

The plot has nothing new to offer as it sticks to the norm of what family centred comedy films usually give. It also has side storylines like the business deal, teen daughter still in her adolescent phase, quirky personal assistant and a nosy neighbour that blends well with the main storyline.

"Mr Popper's Penguin" promises to be entertaining and it does live up to certain expectations. It wasn't thoroughly bad, but it could have been better. Carrey's antics can never get old but a plot like this does. Still proving he has his Carrey charm, this movie will surely get laughs out of everyone. Perhaps we will have wait for another Carrey hit that's better - minus the penguins.

Cinema Online, 30 June 2011