The Penguin Lessons

By Joanna Langfield

Wrapped in a family friendly gauze, this one’s real lessons remind us of our responsibilities to the Earth, our country and our fellow man.

Based on a true story, Steve Coogan stars as Tom Michell, a reluctant private school professor, tasked with trying to teach English to a privileged bunch of uninterested boys. They’re safe behind the thick walls of the school, seemingly far enough away from the Fascist regime running their Argentinian country. Or are they? It’s only when Tom rescues an oil-soaked penguin and brings him into the classroom that everyone, from the unruly students to the all too rule obsessed adults, begins to understand the importance of their relationships to others, as well as what that might entail. And some of that might just come at a cost no one expects.

Well intentioned and sweet, there are a few moments of sentimentality that will surely win over the most suspicious of viewers. Much of the credit for that goes to director Peter Cattaneo’s (The Full Monty) light touch as well as Coogan’s savvy performance. Bringing his well-honed temperamental marriage of cranky and compassion, the comedic actor glides gracefully from protected to protector. You never dislike his Tom, even when he wants you to. And, even at his most vulnerable, we know we must keep a bit of a respectful, appreciative distance. It’s a fascinating mix, one not too many actors are willing to gamble on. But here, as it does in so many of his performances, it pays off, big time.