But if Mr. Popper changed his mind about sending the penguins away, no one else has. A local zookeeper (Clark Greg) has his eye on the birds -- and Mr. Popper. Keeping the penguins hidden from his landlord is virtually impossible, even without having to worry about proving his good character to the owner of Tavern on the Green to secure the sale.
Cute, unrealistic, and completely happy-go-lucky, Mr. Popper's Penguins is good for a few laughs, from both penguins and people. And it is refreshing to see Jim Carrey more subdued, playing a character who's not entirely crazy. Though the movie is really a one-man act, the supporting cast, including Mr. Popper's daughter Janie (Madeline Carrol), is excellent.
But how ironic that a movie teaching that money isn't as important as love would deviate from a classic, cherished story -- in order to make more money.