In the world of films, action and drama are what summer blockbusters usually consist of, so when the opportunity to screen a family friendly film about a penguin, which is based on a true story, I happily agreed. Today’s post is my no spoiler review of My Penguin Friend, a joyous story only in theaters this Friday, August 16th.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Roadside Attractions. All opinions and love of films are my own.
About My Penguin Friend: Production Companies- City Hill Arts/Content Studios/Schurmann Filmes/Ventre Studios/Sur Film/Director: David Schurmann /Screenplay by:Kristen Lazarian Paulina Lagudi / Run Time:1 hr.37 mins./Genre: Family/Adventure /Rated: PG
.jpg "DinDim and Joao")
Courtesy:Roadside Attractions
At its heart, this film is a sweeping family adventure, and a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin. When we first meet Joao, he’s a younger, happier version of himself, until a terrible tragedy breaks his spirit and makes Joao stop being an active part of his community.
Please note- This tragedy is hard to watch,and is why this film is rated PG. Please keep this in mind if you watch this with younger kids. It is a pivotal part of the story, and happens near the beginning of the film. The remainder of the film is fine.
Saving The Little Penguin:
Fast forward many years and an older Joao is out fishing when he spots a lifeless form drifting in the ocean. Drawing nearer he sees its a penguin, covered in oil from a spill. Joao acts on instinct, pulling the barely alive penguin from the water and taking him home to attempt to save him.
From Rescued Sea Creature to Friend:
Much to Joao’s wife Maria’s dismay, played by Adriana Barraza, her husband keeps asking for more time with the penguin, to nurse him back to health. Can you imagine a penguin roaming free in your home? Oh the mischief and mess that creates for poor Maria!
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| Courtesy:Roadside Attractions |
Beyond the mess though, Maria starts noticing a positive change in her husband's attitude! For the first time in many years, there is joy in her husband's eyes and heart again. He even takes a walk with his penguin friend to the village and that is where a little girl spots the penguin and names him DinDim.
The villagers want to know about this cute little penguin and ask, is it your pet? Joao replies, he comes and goes as he pleases, he is my friend.
All is going smoothly for this unlikely duo, when one day DinDim leaves. Called back to the ocean by his own internal clock and poor Joao is left to wonder if he will ever see his beloved DinDim again.
Against The Odds:
I don’t want to give the story away, so suffice to say, when DinDim leaves,he has a few obstacles and adventures to get through if he will ever see his friend the fisherman again, and the odds are not in his favor since he has to travel over 5,000 miles and rely on his own GPS systems to do it.
My Takeaway:
My Penguin Friend, filmed on the coasts of Brazil and Argentina is a visually appealing film. The pace is laid back, much like I’d imagine an island life would be. The characters are warm and friendly too. This is a heartwarming story, one that had me laughing and cheering for DinDim, Joao and the whole village by the end.
Find Showings Near You:
If you want to see a feel good, happy ending, family friendly film, make plans to go see My Penguin friend in theaters this Friday. If you go to https://www.mypenguinfriend.com/home/ and click Get Tickets, you’ll be able to search for theaters and showtimes.
Please share in comments: Would you like to see My Penguin in theaters?
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