ADVENTURES OF the PENGUIN KING

2012, Atlantic Productions

Live action

Rating: G

Approx. 76 mins.

THE STORY:

Rex (Tim Allen), a young male King Penguin, narrates his return to South Georgia Island after several years at sea learning to hunt. His first goal when he arrives back home is to find a mate, which he eventually manages. 

We watch Rex take on the many roles-- adult, mate, father--and challenges-- skuas, leopard seals, killer whales and harsh climate-- that make up the life of a penguin in its natural environment.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• None

VIOLENCE:

• some scary scenes as Rex tries to evade predators
• Rex's mother is supposedly killed-- off camera and not certain, but assumed

TEACHING POINTS:

• The life cycle, habits of penguins in the wild

THE UPSHOT:

Like Tim Allen's other narrated nature film for kids, Chimpanzee, this gives you tremendous insight into what life is like for animals in their natural habitat. The voice-over narrative makes it very watchable for (especially younger) kids, although some of the natural threats might be a bit intense for the young/ sensitive. The 6 year-old in the room was upset at the disappearance and presumed death of the central penguin's mother.

Kids might prefer to watch Happy Feet for the cutesy drama, animation and music, but they will learn a tonne more from this. It's also pretty short and sweet, so the 6 year-old in the room managed to stay engaged. A good choice as an alternative to animated princesses and the like.

4/5