Even though I’m a big fan of Jim Carrey, I’ve been avoiding Mr. Popper‘s Penguins for almost a decade now. I remember years ago seeing it at the library, but never having the motivation to check it out. I saw it pop up on HBO Max, and figured I would least see it now just to say I did.

The main character is Tom Popper, whose father traveled all over the world when he was a boy. He grows up to be a big wig in the real estate business in New York City.

His family life isn’t perfect, as he now lives alone. He was once married with two children, both of whom now see him on a visitation basis. While he tries to be a good dad, his children and his ex-wife aren’t shy to remind him of when he disappointed the family.

His father dies during a trip to Antarctica, and leaves him a present. It’s a bunch of penguins from Antarctica. Tom Popper lives in an apartment building with a no pet policy. It’s going to be quite the adventure to keep these penguins hidden even for a few days.

Overall, Mr. Popper‘s Penguins is an ok movie. It’s not horrible, but it’s very predictable and a little bland. Without Jim Carrey and a few members of the cast, they could’ve put this movie on Disney Channel instead of the silver screen. Well I expect this movie probably has a few fans among Generation Z during their childhood, the rest of us will probably forget this movie many years from now.

Score: C+