My Penguin Friend

PG

Now Playing

1h 37m

Kids & Family

Drama

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List

87%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

250+ Verified Ratings

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 João (international star 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 (Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João 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, João 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.

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Critics Consensus

Pairing the ever-reliable Jean Reno with a scene-stealing feathered co-star to winning effect, My Penguin Friend mostly coasts by on charm -- which is not in short supply.

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Leonard Maltin

leonardmaltin.com

My Penguin Friend is an utterly likable and disarming film. It’s clear that this is one instance where the words “inspired by a true story” are not just movie marketing hyperbole.

Aug 20, 2024

Full Review

Kate Erbland

indieWire

The real story of Joao and Dindim was always good enough for a big screen version, and while “My Penguin Friend” might inflate some parts of this particular fish tale, the result is the same: true feeling and a cute little guy to help share them.

Rated: B-

Aug 16, 2024

Full Review

Christy Lemire

RogerEbert.com

It’s an earnest, crowd-pleasing family film – nothing snarky or self-referential, no on-the-nose needle drops - just a sweet, beautifully made movie that earns the emotion it’ll surely draw from its viewers.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 16, 2024

Full Review

Carla Hay

Culture Mix

My Penguin Friend won't rank among the very best movies about adorable penguins, and the cast members' performances are mismatched. However, this comedy/drama (based on a true story) is pleasant enough to watch as family-friendly entertainment.

Sep 1, 2024

Full Review

Tara McNamara

Common Sense Media

Kids who strongly prefer animated movies might be restless, but even if they're a little bored at times, this sweet drama is ultimately an imagination starter.

Aug 26, 2024

Full Review

Lupe Rodriguez Haas

CineMovie.tv

The bond between João and the adorable creature is simply moving and joyous. The story is filled with many endearing moments among perilous episodes for the little penguin.

Rated: A-

Aug 26, 2024

Full Review

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John B

Warm, sweet, feel good movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/07/24

Full Review

Micaela Bensko

An exquisitely executed hope-affirming story that will stay with you long after. If you love animals, your faith in humanity will be restored. Bring tissues for the journey, and for the burst of awe it will instill as the credits roll.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/24

Full Review

marcyl s

heartwarming, especially when based on true story

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/24

Full Review

Nigel M

Cute movie about a penguin and his devotion to the man who saved him.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/03/24

Full Review

Alisa

Sweet movie that was very moving.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/03/24

Full Review

Sean

Great movie and true story. Too bad it’s leaving the theaters here in Denver so soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

Full Review

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David Schurmann

Director

Jean Reno

João

Adriana Barraza

Maria

Nicolás Francella

Carlos

Alexia Moyano

Adriana

Rocío Hernández

Stephanie

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My Penguin Friend: Movie Clip - Hurry Up

0:32

My Penguin Friend: Exclusive Movie Clip - Dindim Visits the Village

1:28

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My Penguin Friend: Featurette - A Penguin's POV

1:59

My Penguin Friend: Featurette - A Global Story

3:15

My Penguin Friend: Trailer 1

2:23

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Synopsis

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 João (international star 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 (Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João 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, João 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.

Director: David Schurmann
Producer: Robin Jonas, Shaked Berenson, Patrick Ewald, Nicolas Veinberg, Steven P. Wegner, Jonathan Lim, Andreas Wentz
Screenwriter: Paulina Lagudi Ulrich, Kristen Lazarian
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: City Hill Arts, Schurmann Filmes, Content Studios
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 16, 2024, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.0M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)