The film follows Thomas “Tom” Popper Jr. (Jim Carrey), a divorced real estate developer in New York City, who is more focused on his career than on his relationships, especially with his children. Tom’s life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a gentoo penguin from his deceased explorer father.
The climax of the film occurs when Tom receives an additional five penguins, and he struggles to manage their presence in his upscale Manhattan apartment. As he tries to find suitable homes for the penguins, he realizes that they are bringing joy and chaos into his life.
Tom’s interactions with the penguins begin to impact his relationships, including with his ex-wife Amanda (Carla Gugino), his children Janie (Madeline Carroll) and Billy (Maxwell Perry Cotton), and his love interest, Pippi (Angela Lansbury).
The movie features humorous sequences as Tom attempts to keep the penguins hidden from his uptight neighbor Nat Jones (David Krumholtz) and navigate the challenges of caring for the unconventional pets. The penguins’ antics create chaos in Tom’s professional life, leading to both comedic and heartwarming moments.
The film climaxes with a pivotal event that challenges Tom to reevaluate his priorities and make choices that will bring happiness to his loved ones, including the penguins.
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Jim Carrey’s performance and the family-friendly humor but criticism for the predictable storyline. The film aimed to blend comedy with heartwarming moments and deliver a message about the importance of family and finding joy in unexpected places.