Oddball and the Penguins

A good-natured but accident-prone dog becomes the unlikely saviour of a group of rare penguins in this immensely likeable tale from Down Under. Taking "inspiration" from 1990s animal crackers like Babe and Beethoven, the story is slight with some subplots that don't go anywhere, but it has heart in all the right places. The adorable penguins create just enough peril, and it's impossible not to fall in love with the bungling, four-legged star who tries to protect them from foxes and land developers. As for the human members of the cast, comedian Shane Jacobson is an affable hero as Oddball's slovenly owner, defying the first rule of showbusiness by gelling well with both children (on-screen granddaughter Coco Jack Gillies) and animals. He also clashes perfectly with Alan Tudyk's tightly wound tourism executive. Tugging at the heartstrings from the first scene, this adorable family adventure mirrors its canine hero - overcoming any flaws by being utterly charming.