Watch Kids' Reviews of
MY PENGUIN FRIEND

I love My Penguin Friend! By the time this charming and heartfelt true story was over, I wanted my own cute and curious penguin pal.

The story revolves around Joao (Jean Reno), an old fisherman who has been lonely most of his life. That is, until he meets Din Dim the penguin. Drenched in oil, the frail penguin is taken care of by Joao till he regains his strength. While caring for Din Dim, Joao begins to feel an emotion he hasn't felt in a long time - happy. When Din Dim leaves unexpectedly one morning, Joao is certain he will never see Din Dim again. However, unknown to Joao, a bond has been formed that not even the widest ocean can break, and it is only a matter of time before the little one returns.

The thing that stands out to me the most in this movie is the penguin, Din Dim. I'm not sure if an actual trained penguin was used in this film or very sharp CGI. I'm guessing he's real. Din Dim is very excited while exploring Joao's house, even though Joao's wife, Ma (Adriana Barraza) doesn't approve. He rummages through toilet paper, scarfs down fish, and makes a burrow out of old trinkets he finds. He is quite humorous and cute at the same time. I also really like the credits at the beginning; it has a cool painted compass design, with lots of details. The plot is a bit hard to follow at first, and I didn't understand it fully till later in the film. But, the chemistry between Joao, Maria, and Din Dim is spot on. Joao cares for the penguin deeply; Maria only tolerates having a wild animal in her home. And, Din Dim causes loads of chaos, making it lots of fun for everybody. The background music, composed by Fernando Velázquez, really brings everything together with music that highlights what an emotional story this is.

The film's message is about the loyalty that comes from caring for an animal. Joao cares for Din Dim, and the little penguin becomes a companion to Joao, making both of them very happy. After a while, even Maria starts to play with Din Dim.

I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. My Penguin Friend releases in theaters on August 16 2024. Go check it out!

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

What a heartwarming and captivating film! My Penguin Friend beautifully illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship and love. Jean Reno delivers a deeply moving performance as Joa~o, capturing a man's despair and the joy that blossoms as he bonds with this penguin. The film's breathtaking cinematography, set on the beautiful coast of Brazil and Argentina, further enhances the emotions of this true story. It's a touch that's an inspiring story, perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt adventures.

My Penguin Friend follows the true story of Joa~o, a fisherman struggling with loss and isolating himself from the world. His life takes a surprising turn when he rescues a penguin named Dimdim, who's been caught in an oil spill. As Joa~o cares for Dimdim, the bond they form helps him heal and rediscover happiness. When Dimdim returns to the wild, the story takes an emotional twist, highlighting the strength of their unique friendship.

What a perfect family film that offers a moving story which resonates with viewers of all ages. The lead characters in My Penguin Friend are brought to life by a talented cast. Jean Reno shines as Joa~o, perfectly capturing the mix of sorrow and hope in his character's journey. Adriana Barraza delivers a strong performance as Maria, Joa~o's wife, whose skepticism about the penguin adds depth to their relationship. The coastal locations in Brazil and Argentina are stunning and provide a beautiful backdrop for the story, making the film visually captivating. My favorite part of the movie is when Joa~o tries to return Dimdim to the wild, only for the penguin to find its way back home miraculously. This moment highlights their unbreakable bond and is a powerful reminder of the unexpected connections we can form with animals. This is a heartwarming, family-friendly film that leaves you with a sense of hope and warmth. It offers a positive and uplifting message that encourages viewers to embrace life's unexpected connections that can restore meaning and happiness. The movie promotes positive social behavior, emphasizing the importance of empathy, family, and resilience.

The message of My Penguin Friend centers on the transformative power of love and connection, regardless of where it comes from. It reminds us of how, even small acts of kindness, like rescuing an animal in need, can lead to profound, life-altering relationships.

I give My Penguin Friend 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch this delightful movie in theaters starting August 16, 2024.

By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 13

see youth comments

A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman Joa~o (Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife's (Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years Joa~o starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed. When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, Joa~o believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.