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Martin Short, Annie Golden, Tim Curry, Angeline Ball, Hamilton Camp ... see more see more... , Pat Musick , Will Ryan , Louise Vallance , Shani Wallis , B.J. Ward , James Belushi , Neil Ross , Kendall Cunningham , Stan Jones

This heartwarming animated tale--reportedly inspired by a National Geographic documentary--follows the exploits of a shy penguin, Hubie, who is hopelessly enamored with Marina, but must compete with t... read more read more...he ultra macho, puffed up Drake, who wants her to be his life mate. In order to win her, one of them must present her with a suitable pebble. Hubie finds a doozy of an emerald-like stone to give her, but before he can deliver it, the wicked Drake pushes him into the roiling sea and Hubi is swept away. Eventually Hubie is captured by traders. He must make it home within 10 days or Drake will claim his beloved Mariana. Songs are sung, action ensues, and ultimately, happiness prevails. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Flixster Users

51% liked it

12,992 ratings

Critics

11% liked it

9 critics

G, 1 hr. 14 min.

Directed by: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman

Release Date: April 12, 1995

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DVD Release Date: September 19, 2000

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Stats: 413 reviews

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The Pebble and the Penguin Cast The Pebble and the Penguin Hubie and Rocko The Pebble and the Penguin
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Flixster Reviews (413)

  • ajv2688
    June 9, 2011
    ajv2688
    Just like all movies with penguins, this movie is cute and somewhat funny, but not great. I liked it better when I was a kid, but it wasn't a favourite.
  • stormyweather980
    September 14, 2009
    stormyweather980
    A shy and not so tough penguin named Hubie (Martin Short) falls in love with the good looking Marina (Annie Golden). Once he finds out that he might actually have a chance to be Marina's mate for the upcoming mating season, he tries to find her the most spectacular pebble possibl... read moree. For this group of penguins, a pebble is just like a wedding ring that we humans use. But there's some rough and icy waters in store for Hubie. Not only is there a macho penguin who also wants Marina, but humans and of course whales, may also pose a threat.
    Back when I was a kid, I wanted to see "The Pebble and the Penguin" when it first came out in 1995, but I never got the chance to see it until today. I have to admit that it's not as good as I thought it would be, but it wasn't bad either. It has good animation, it's mildly entertaining, and it would probably be especially great for kids who like animated movies. However, on the bad side, it could've been a lot better in almost every aspect and I was disappointed with the music. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. I'm not disappointed in many animated flicks, but this one I sorta was, although it has its charm.
  • sanjurosamurai
    January 25, 2007
    sanjurosamurai
    decent flick but a little strange
  • fb100001223760895
    December 14, 2011
    fb100001223760895
    A blatantly banal and mediocre story any five-year-old is capable of writing that's full of unintentionally creepy animation, stereotypical characters, and awkward dialogue.
  • staindslaved
    February 27, 2012
    staindslaved
    By the mid-90's Don Bluth was getting absolutely crushed by Disney Animation studios at the box-office. Hammering out classic-after-classic year-after-year Bluth was struggling to even keep pace with the output let alone the quality. After Rock-A-Doodle flopped his studio was l... read moreiquidated and his films sold to a Hong Kong company. Thumbelina and A Troll in Central Park barely got any form of theatrical realease and The Pebble and the Penguin was a major money loser. I was 10 when I saw The Pebble and the Penguin in theaters. When a 10 year old tells you that an animated family film sucks that is something you can take to the bank. I contemplated re-watching the film as an adult to give it a fairer assessment, however it's RT rating (critical and audience) have only solidified my childhood memories.
  • gavinthelordofthefut1
    September 25, 2011
    gavinthelordofthefut1
    Looking back at Bluth's previous entries from the 90s, I was beginning to think about what I think about this one. Well, just say that when I was a little kid, I seemed to enjoy it, but as a young adult, I'm gonna call this movie decent. So, some of you are wondering why a 60%? H... read moreere's the reason why.

    Here are some letdowns.

    Letdown #1: The story was just... weird for a movie about penguins despite it's credit for a romance between two main characters. There were some things that were unexplained like "Why do penguins have clothing and hands to begin with?" and "Where did the three non-penguin birds came from?".

    and Letdown #2: The songs made by Barry Manilow (despite it's decent music score from Mark Watters) were mediocre. "Now and Forever" (pop song included), "Sometimes I Wonder" and reprise and "Don't Make Me Laugh" were enjoyable, but the rest weren't that catchy at all.

    That's it for the letdowns. Now for the highlights.

    The animation is very good, the character designs aren't that bad, and the voice acting is entertaining.

    So, is this movie weird? Well, kind of, but once you compare it to A Troll In Central Park, it's not a bad movie. It's just a decent and very cute penguin movie and it's worth watching for kids who like decent entertainment.

    6/10
  • BlueTorch
    September 9, 2009
    BlueTorch
    Lovable, shy Hubie plans to marry the girl of his dreams by presenting her with the most beautiful pebble at the mating ceremony. Alas, Hubie is swept away by the ocean and has to find his way back before the ceremony is over.

    This is a Don Bluth animation, and bears many of hi... read mores fingerprints. Lovable penguins? Oddly enough, it works, and the story is acceptable kids fare. What doesn't work, is the Don Bluth Villain. Drake the Evil Penguin? Who resides in Skull Mountain? Seriously? He adds nothing to the plot and confuses the moral. This movie could desperately use some addition by subtraction.
  • redbutterflygirl2003
    October 6, 2010
    redbutterflygirl2003
    Even tho it WAS NOT A CHRISTIAN MOVIE Marina looked on the inside unlike the other girl's. (1 Samuel 16:7.).
  • helwigs
    June 4, 2009
    helwigs
    Pretty cute movie, I remember seeing it when it came out, it was supposed to bre the best kid movie of the year. A little dark at parts though.
  • robertfangirl
    March 30, 2009
    robertfangirl
    this movie is very cute and shows that true love doesn't matter by the gifts you get by a guy it matters by how much he loves you for what you are.

View All The Pebble and the Penguin Reviews

Critic Reviews

Nancy Davis Kho
December 20, 2010
Nancy Davis Kho, Common Sense Media

Animated penguin tale heavy on romance, peril. Full Review

Chris Hicks
January 1, 2000
Chris Hicks, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

There are a few nice moments here, but most of the way The Pebble and the Penguin is rather limp, and will likely make small children restless long before it's over. Full Review

Leonard Klady
March 26, 2009
Leonard Klady, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Caryn James
August 30, 2004
Caryn James, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

February 13, 2001
Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

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Peter Stack
January 1, 2000
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

January 1, 2000
USA Today

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
September 19, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Pebble and the Penguin Trivia

  • in the movie pebble and the penguin what was the the penguin that hubie loves?  Answer »
  • Who was the voice of Hubie in "The Pebble and the penguin"?  Answer »
  • What is the movie where a penguin gives another penguin a precious stone?  Answer »
  • This actress/Actor preformed the voice of the Hubie in the animated film The Pebble and the Penguin.  Answer »
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