Popper's Penguins is Pleasing

     Based on the book by Richard and Florence Atwater and starring Jim Carrey as Mr. Popper, Mr. Popper's Penguins is the story of a divorced, workaholic dad learning to love his family.  In this regard, it has more in common with Carrey's 1997 Liar, Liar than the book it was based on; in the book, Mr. Popper was an Antarctic-loving painter struggling to provide for a wife and two young children.

     In the new movie, Mr. Popper needs to buy Tavern on the Green in Central Park from its private owner (Angela Lansbury) for his company.  The only problem is, she says she'll only sell to someone with good character, and Mr. Popper is a bit lacking in that area.  Meanwhile, he receives a penguin from his recently deceased father.  Five more soon follow.  Before he can get rid of the birds, Mr. Popper's kids, and, gradually, Mr. Popper himself, become way too attached to them.

     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.