By By Derek Varsalona

There are many ways to escape the books during this semester. The most common way is to head out to the bar or a nightclub on a Friday or Saturday night. For people who’d rather spend that time watching a great movie, I suggest the film March of the Penguins. The movie is rated G and is narrated by renowned actor Morgan Freeman. Warner Independent Films and National Geographic feature films marketed the movie.

The purpose of the movie is to tell the extraordinary tale that is the life of the Emperor Penguins. Watching the film made me feel as if I were reliving my childhood. The pleasant times when my grandmother would put me to bed and tell me a night time story – then wish me sweet dreams. The movie took on the role that grandma’s stories used to.

When seeing the movie Morgan Freeman’s presence helps engage one’s interest in the life of the Emperor Penguin. He opens the hearts of the viewers mind to the trials these creatures engage on a day to day basis. He has great command of the penguins’ living conditions, and expressed this in a way that invokes emotion in the viewer.

Music is also a major part of the story in March of the Penguins. The music complements the movie. There are various rhythms used for symbolism that accompany the film. For instance, when the penguins are on the march the music grows in speed. When possible trouble approaches the penguin’s music becomes haunting and intimidating – leaving an ominous aura. As the penguins begin to unify, that is when the music begins to smooth.

The movie is an excellent educational resource. It goes into detail and depth on both the daily life of the penguins, as well as their life cycle. Mating becomes the ultimate goal in the penguin’s life. Some penguins will march 70 miles, to a new location, just to mate. The penguins also march to keep up with the shifting ice. If they linger too long in one place, as the ice begins to break, they will be incapable of helping each other.

The movie displays the need for the penguins to work in groups and protect each other – as a community. When they grow cold, they huddle to provide warmth from the brutal winter. Their eggs are brought inside this huddling, to protect them as well – and insure the species survival. Without working together to protect the eggs, they would be destroyed – both from the elements and desperate predators.

Watching this movie is a must on your fall to-do list. It is by far the best educational film I have ever seen. Audience members of all ages will enjoy this film. So, march on down to your nearest theater, and buy a ticket to March of the Penguins – take the chance to explore your world.