Happy Feet Two

This fresh, funny animated sequel opens in Antarctica's Emperor Penguin community, where tap-dancing Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) and singing Gloria (Alecia Moore, aka Pink) are trying to help their fluffy fledgling Erik (Ava Acres) through a difficult adolescence. Filled with self-doubt because he's unable to dance, the mocked and misunderstood Erik runs away, accompanied by two little pals, winding up with Uncle Ramon (Robin Williams) among the Adélie Penguins, where he's befriended by the guru Lovelace (also Williams) and the Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria), an exotic flyer. When worried Mumble finds Erik and his friends and tries to take them home across a precarious ice-bridge, their way is blocked by a stubborn elephant seal, Bryan the Beachmaster (Richard Carter). Meanwhile, deep below in the sea, two tiny krill, delusional Will and terrified Bill (Brad Pitt, Matt Damon), swim away from their swarm and try to evolve higher up on the food chain in a subplot that somewhat parallels Erik's story. Filmmaker George Miller's delightful family film illustrates life lessons about being brave while also being true to yourself. A visual treat, this is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the “Helping Penguins and Pals” behind-the-scenes featurette (12 min.), “How to Draw a Penguin” (5 min.), “I Taut I Taw a Puddy Tat” Looney Tunes short (4 min.), three sing-a-long songs, trailers, and a bonus UltraViolet digital copy of the film. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the “The Amazing Voices” cast featurette (5 min.), “Running with Boadicea” on the character's acrobatics (3 min.), a featurette on “P!nk's New Song” (2 min.), and a bonus DVD copy of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid sequel.] (S. Granger)