The old gang, the panoramic* shots of masses of dancing penguins and the constant dangers return in director George Miller’s sequel*, “Happy Feet 2.”

    But the story is not good enough. Nothing seems to happen naturally or without strain* this time.

    If it weren’t for the funny moments provided by Will and Bill, tiny shrimplike crustaceans* known as krill and voiced by Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, this would be a difficult return to Antarctica indeed.

    The story rests on childhood humiliation* and parental crises* of confidence.

    Mumble (Elijah Wood) and mate Gloria (Alecia Moore, a.k.a. P!nk) now have little Erik.

    After a highly public failed attempt at dancing, Erik realizes he cannot shake it or stomp* it like his father. He finds the new role model he seeks in The Mighty Sven, a bird (looking like a penguin, but a close-up of his stapled beak suggests an imposter*) able to fly and sporting a Scandinavian-accent because of Hank Azaria.

    Erik’s self-esteem* issues would be more than enough for one sequel, but the script has bigger fish to fry*. While no one dares say the phrase “global warming,” let’s just say that something is causing those glaciers to melt. Species of various types must join forces to save the choreographically* gifted Emperor Penguins from their suddenly dangerous circumstances.

    However brutal, the first film’s images of Lovelace the penguin (Robin Williams) with his neck trapped inside a plastic six-pack ring certainly got some viewers thinking about recycling more mindfully.

    Director Miller and his writing team did not tend to wield the same eco-hammer in “Happy Feet 2” and pound the same message with the same intensity. But the sequel’s themes of friendship and interdependency* fail to generate much momentum.

    The audience may find themselves waiting around for the return of Will and Bill (the krill) and Will’s yearning for a life outside his immediate biomass*. Be warned, though: Even in these bits, you must prepare yourself for an ocean of puns* on the order of “goodbye, krill world.”

     (SD-Agencies)