Let's be realistic.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

"A Wish for Wings That Work" is a 23-minute animated short film from 1991, which means this is soon going to have its 25th anniversary. The director is Skip Jones, who is mostly known for "A Land Before Time". The writer of the the book is Berkeley Breathed, who also wrote "Mars Needs Moms". The only voice actor I am familiar with here is the late Robin Williams. The story is basically about a penguin who wants to fly. And he tries it all, even ends up in an airplane that is part of a scene from an old black-and-white live action movie. Unfortunately, I cannot agree with the general consensus on this film, which is pretty positive. I found it especially flat in terms of emotional impact. It may be a fun watch for young audiences, but the comedy wasn't that great either in my opinion. Judging from the rating, I sure expected something better here. Also the penguin character wasn't cute or anything, which may have helped. Thumbs down.

I agree with Berkely Breathed. This cartoon stinks! It is nothing more than a child's cartoon version of "It's A Wonderful Life." In this cartoon, Opus bemoans the lack of wings that work, conveniently right around Christmas, just to make a nice little fairy tale for children, rather than show Breathed's humor. On his way to deliver presents, Santa loses his reindeer and ends up in a lake - not frozen over although it is surrounded by snow, and the Bloom County characters. Opus swims (like a human and not a penguin) to rescue Santa and save Christmas. Thus Opus learns a valuable lesson about accepting what he is, rather than aspiring to something he can't be. For his reward, all the ducks lift up Opus and take him for a flight. Yay!Children will get it. So will adults but it is a sanitized version of the comic strip Bloom County.The clip from the original Lost Horizon movie is a sacrilege! The producer could have chosen some other plane crash movie for Opus's dream. The cartoon lacks the biting satire and sarcasm of Bloom County. This movie proves the rule that comics rarely translate well in theater. I hated it so much I no longer like Berkely Breathed or his inane comic strip.

I remembered when I was seven, I picked out a video at the rental store that was different and funny...When I was halfway through the tape, I was rolling on the floor laughing my butt off...It was funny because it featured a hero with a dream (Opus), which was ironic that he wishes to fly because he is a penguin.Anyway...This movie is one of the greatest of off-beat holiday specials...You'll have to see for yourself...

Having never been all that enthralled with Bloom County, I watched this with some doubt-for all of about two minutes and then I was hooked. What I saw was at one and the same time funny and heart-wrenching. There are a few running gags (watch the carolers particularly) and there is a very effective use of visual imagery on the fringes. Like with Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, invariably when I watch this again, I see some little bit I've missed. Very effective use of music to set the appropriate mood throughout. And the ending is perfect! Highest Recommendation.