My new favorite CGI film

This movie just blew me away. I was expecting a Happy Feet rip-off or yet another over-done over-used CGI mess, but I must say this is my new favorite CGI film, even better than Shrek 1 & 2 (3 was a joke) and all those Pixar flicks. Everyone just waits and waits for Pixar to produce the CGI hits, but do yourself a favor and check this gem out. The animation will astonish you. Some scene look so damn authentic I swear they used real video footage, especially all the waves and water effects, but also one part at night in the jungle in the rain, with a bunch of flashlights shining around. Wow. Sony's animation division set the bar a lot higher for all future Pixar and Disney films.

CGI effects aside, its the rest of the story and the humor and great soundtrack that got me so hooked to this film, and also its unique (for a cartoon) feel of making it like a mockumentary. Hoodwinked did that a little bit, but this film when all out, showing aged grainy and still animated footage of old video clips, flashbacks to interviews, and very authentic hand-cam wobble effects throughout.

And it's definitely geared more towards adult audience than the kid-friendly Happy Feet. Very young kids might be a bit bored by the story line and frequent flashbacks and subtle jokes, but they should still be into the whole 'penguins surfing' bits for sure.

9/10