What is it about penguins that attracts documentarists and animators so much? Is it because they are loveable approximations of our better selves, toddling along in freezing weather with what look like permanent smiles on their faces?
Whatever it is, I commend Ash Brannon and Chris Buck's animated film, especially to those who have not yet reached the age of 10.
In this case, the penguins are surfers who brave the mighty waves of Pen Gu Island in the Pacific and sometimes die the death of the brave. Our hero is Rockhopper penguin Cody Maverick (voiced by Shia LeBeouf), who hails from Shiverpool, Antarctica, and goes to Pen Gu to attempt to emulate the feats of Big Z (Jeff Bridges), the surfing legend who gets himself killed trying one too many audacious feats.
On the way, Cody meets a strange-looking chicken (Jon Heder), falls for a pretty penguin lifeguard (Zooey Deschanel) and is persuaded he is the next big thing by a furry surf promoter (James Wood).
The film is so much fresher than Shrek III not just because of the clever animation, but also the Los Angeles surferspeak of the screenplay which is amusingly parodic throughout.
Surf's Up
Cert: PG
