Fridae

Forget March of the Penguins, that was last year's sensation. This terrific penguin cartoon will make you love creatures with flippers all over again. What's more, Happy Feet may well be the cutest and cuddliest allegory for gay acceptance ever.

Deep in Antarctica, emperor penguins attract their mate by their distinctive squawks. But here the penguins burst into glorious song, crooning anything from a Beach Boys hummer to a Prince classic to a Beatles number.

Unfortunately, one young penguin (voice of Elijah Woods) stands out for not being able to sing. His nickname is Mumble, and though he cannot hit a note, he can dance up a snowstorm. His parents argue about his "handicap". His mother (Nicole Kidman) accepts her son for who he is. His stern father (Hugh Jackman) insists that he change his ways. Others in the penguin community react with disgust over Mumble's talent orientation.

Mumble, in short, is a faggot in disguise.

But through the course of the story, Mumble learns to love himself and accept his difference as a strength, not a weakness. And soon enough, he manages to convince his community to accept him too. If they were French, they'd be shouting, "Viva la difference!"

Following hot on the heels of 3-D animal cartoons like Over the Hedge, Happy Feet will astound you with its glorious animation. The penguins look so real (they are said to have as many as 6 million feathers on them), you can't help but be awestruck by their sheer beauty. Though the story follows a predictable arc, the cartoon still boasts some great jokes, terrific singing and a meaningful message about acceptance. As LGBT audience, we're sure you'll agree with that last point.