‘My Penguin Friend’ Review – Jean Reno And Flightless Bird Soar In Feel Good Family Film

If you are in the mood for a feel good family film with a ton of heart, “My Penguin Friend” might be the movie for you. There is a tragedy that happends in the movie’s opening moments which might not be suitable for really young kids, but overall seeing a penguin and human bond makes (at least for this film) for good cinema. Check out our CinemAddicts review below!

Inspired by a true story, “My Penguin Friend” centers on a João, a fisherman who is still shaken from a tragedy that occured years ago. Oscar nominee co-stars as his wife Maria, and the pair have lived in a small home off the coast of Brazil in relative solitude. Things change when an oil drenched penguin enters João’s life. The fisherman immediately takes care of the penguin, who would later go by the name of Dindim, and the flightless bird develops a bond with the João.

Shot on the coasts of Brazil and Argentina by director David Schurmann, “My Penguin Friend’s” success lies in Reno’s believable performance as an adrift man looking for a bit of purpose. There is a subplot that centers around Dindim and his interactions with several researchers on Patagonia which fleshes out the rest of the 97 minute narrative. These moments are watchable enough, but the absolute draw of the feature revolves around Reno’s relationship with DinDim. I am not usually driven to tears over family films, but this intentionally manipulative tale almost had me weeping.

It’s a feel good, predictable story that is an easy enough watch. If you are tired of watching animated films with your children and want an engaging human and animal tale, then “My Penguin Friend” is a more than worthy watch. My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

“My Penguin Friend” is now playing in theaters. Check out my video review below, and CinemAddicts co-host Bruce Purkey’s review is also featured in our latest podcast episode: