FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS -- CONTENT REVIEW: MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS

"MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS"
(2011) (Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino) (PG)

QUICK TAKE:: Family Comedy: When a workaholic inherits six penguins, his personal and professional life is turned upside down.

PLOT:

In modern-day Manhattan, Mr. Popper (JIM CARREY) is a workaholic executive who specializes in acquiring old landmark properties that his private equity firm transforms into more profitable uses. His latest target is Tavern on the Green in Central Park, owned by the demanding Mrs. Van Gundy (ANGELA LANSBURY). The famed eatery has fallen on hard times, but she will sell it only to the kind of family-oriented concern that will keep it going.

Popper pulls out all the stops, but he and his loyal assistant Pippi (OPHELIA LOVIBOND) fail to charm the woman. Popper has an equally hard time connecting to his two kids, bratty teenager Janie (MADELINE CARROLL) and grade-schooler Billy (MAXWELL PERRY COTTON), who he sees only on weekends. He also still cares for his ex-wife Amanda (CARLA GUGINO), even though she is moving on with new boyfriend Rick (JAMES TUPPER).

Into his life come six penguins, which he inherits from his recently deceased explorer father. The birds - who include the yearns-to-fly Captain, the flatulent Stinky, the clumsy Nimrod, the affectionate Lovey, the teething Bitey, and the very mouthy Loudy - turn Popper's life upside down. The penguins end up teaching the Poppers the real meaning of family and caring, bringing them closer together than ever before. Unfortunately, the schemes of nosey neighbor Kent (DAVID KRUMHOLTZ) and the city's zookeeper Nat (CLARK GREGG) threaten the Popper family's newfound happiness.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Yes, especially kids of elementary school age. They'll want to see it more for the penguins than the star power of Jim Carrey.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG: For mild rude humor and some language.

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