The Penguin Lessons

As time goes by, we are offered more and more films based on true stories, hence the expression, "truth is stranger than fiction". So, since that seems truthful, why not, since there is much truth to that expression? This time we are offered a very endearing, funny, dramatic and heartfelt story called "The Penguin Lessons".

This poignant dramedy is the inspired true story of a disillusioned Englishman, Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) who went to work as an English teacher in a school in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation on the brink of a coup and a class of unteachable students. However, after Tom rescues a penguin from an oil spill and left on the beach, his life is turned upside down. 

Others to round out the cast are Bjorn Gustafsson as Tapio, David Herrero as Diego, Jonathan Pryce as Timothy, Aimar Miranda as Ernesto, Vivian El Jaber as Maria, Alfonsina Carrocio as Sofia, Hugo Fuertes as Ramiro, Nicanor Fernandez as Igor, Joaquin Lopez as Victor and Miguel Alejandro as Walter. 

This was poignantly directed by Peter Cattaneo ("Loved Up" (TV movie) '95, "The Full Monty" '97, "Lucky Break" '01, "Opal Dream" '06, "The Rooker" '08, "Diana and I" (TV movie) '17, "Military Wives" '19) plus TV, shorts and a video. This filmmaker certainly knows how to transition his actors, specifically Coogan, from this cold, very cautious and calculating individual to this caring and thoughtful man in the most subtle of ways. Even though Coogan is a consummate actor, it still takes fine directing for this transition to occur without the audience catching on. It was effectively written by Jeff Pope ("Fool's Gold: The Story of the Brink's--Mat Robbery" (TV movie) '93, "The Magician" (TV movie) '95, "Christmas Lights" (TV movie) '04, "Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman" '05, "The Security Men" (TV movie) '13, "Philomena" '13, "Stan & Ollie" '18, "The Lost King" '22) plus other TV movies and TV. based on the book by Tom Michell. This was similar to last year's "My Penguin Friend" in that it was also based on a true story, however the stories were different showing how their respective penguins were able to get them through their difficult moments. This story, although heartwarming and captivating of how a penguin's presence can change many people, took about 20 minutes to find the film, but once it did, it simply took off. Once the film took off, it was captivating and engrossing absolutely holding my attention. 

Certainly, if you liked "My Penguin Friend", you'll feel right at home with this. It is humorous, captivating, dramatic, and heartfelt all rolled up in the crowd-pleasing story. It has some really interesting shots and video at the end of the actual people and penguin to cap off the film.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                        111mins.