In Happy Feet 2, one of the major flaws is that Mumble's parents, played by Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, have completely disappeared from the film. This is a significant departure from the first film, where they played prominent roles in Mumble's life and the overall storyline. Their absence in the sequel is a missed opportunity to further explore the dynamics of Mumble's family and how they support him in his journey.
The character of Gloria also feels substantially different in Happy Feet 2. This change can be attributed to the tragic death of Brittany Murphy, the original voice actress for Gloria. In the first film, Murphy brought a unique charm and energy to the character, making her memorable and endearing. However, in the sequel, another voice actress was brought in to replace Murphy, and unfortunately, the difference in vocal performance is noticeable.
Without the original voice and energy that Murphy brought to the character, Gloria feels somewhat off and lacks the same level of connection with the audience. It's a shame because Gloria was such a vital part of Mumble's story and their bond was one of the highlights of the first film. The absence of Murphy's voice creates a void that is difficult to fill, and it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the sequel.
The absence of Mumble's parents and the change in the character of Gloria significantly impact the storytelling in Happy Feet 2. These flaws not only disrupt the continuity of the narrative but also diminish the emotional depth and connection that the audience had with the characters in the first film. It's disappointing to see such important elements being overlooked or mishandled in a sequel, especially when they played such crucial roles in establishing the foundation of the original story.
To improve the film, it would have been beneficial to find a way to incorporate Mumble's parents into the storyline, even if it meant having them in a smaller capacity. This would have allowed for a more complete and satisfying continuation of their family dynamics and would have provided a sense of closure for their characters. Additionally, honoring Brittany Murphy's legacy by finding a voice actress who could capture the essence of Gloria would have helped maintain the consistency and emotional resonance of the character.
The absence of Mumble's parents and the change in the character of Gloria are significant flaws in Happy Feet 2. These flaws not only disrupt the narrative but also diminish the emotional connection with the characters. The film missed an opportunity to further explore Mumble's family dynamics and failed to capture the same charm and energy that Brittany Murphy brought to the character of Gloria. These flaws highlight the importance of maintaining consistency and honoring the original performances in a sequel.