The Pebble and the Penguin (1995)

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

10 Aug 2007 12:00 PM

With a musical score by Barry Manilow, this animated film is, in my opinion, one of the best by Don Bluth, although due to disagreements in the production process, Bluth takes no credit for his work on the project.

Renowned actor Martin Short voices Hubie, a shy Adelie penguin. It's mating season, and all the male penguins are on a special quest - to find a beautiful pebble to present to their sweethearts to signify their engagement. I guess that's somewhat akin to the giving of a rock to wear on one's finger, a strange custom practiced by humans. Anyway, Hubie badly wants to propose to Marina (Annie Golden) a lovely female penguin, and hopes that he'll be able to find a pebble worthy of her.

Hubie spots a green piece of meteor and decides it's the perfect gift for his lady love. Just as he's ready to pledge his penguinly troth, along comes Drake (Tim Curry) a big bully of a penguin who wants Marina for himself. Drake knocks Hubie into the water where he is swept away, to be rescued by an animal research ship. With the help of a new friend, Rocko (Jim Belushi) he then returns to Antarctica to face down Drake and win the hand . . . er, flipper of the woman he loves.

This movie didn't do so well at the box office, and yet has done surprisingly well on video and DVD. I think much of the success is due to Manilow's score - who doesn't love Manilow? All in all, it's a sweet story and you really find yourself rooting for Hubie, although you know he's going to win in the end because hey, he's the star, but that notwithstanding, he's a lovable character and has a good heart.

This film was rated G.

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Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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