A disillusioned teacher takes a posting at a grand, private school in Argentina. Set against the sinister backdrop of the 1970’s military coup, Steve Coogan delights as lead, Tom Mitchell.
Sprats-off to scriptwriter, Jeff Pope, who has adapted the screenplay from the non-fiction book splattering it through with poetry and witty one-liners. Some gems:
“You have an issue with the game? (Rugby) How so?”
“I like my balls round.”
or
“I’m Ernest Hemmingway only with no money — never written any books”
Tom reluctantly rescues an oil-slicked penguin off the beach, in order to impress a prospective love interest, alas! the Lady goes south, leaving Tom with…the penguin (Juan Salvador). Despite a school ban on pets, Tom’s forced to take JS back to his rooms. Ultimately, the Penguin waddles his way into everyone’s hearts and becomes the blubbery catalyst for healing and remarkable connection. “He was only two foot tall, smelly…but he was my friend.”
Supporting cast, Jonathayn Price as the School Principal, Bjorn Gustafsson as his droll, Nordic colleague and Vivian El Jaber as the domestic-help give delicious performances that add value to the film’s appeal.
Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty,) directs this absolute charmer with a light, masterful touch. Down my neck of the woods, the cinema audience gave the film an ovation at the end. A surprising, surprisingly good film. A rare beast in this age of sequels and franchises. Beat a fishy path to the cinema!
MY RATING: One small step for film, one giant belly-slide for penguinkind
The Penguin Lessons
One small step for film, one giant belly-slide for penguinkind
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