Steve Coogan is one of those actors who, ever since he made a massive name for himself as Alan Partridge, its always nice to see pop up in a film or TV show. His recent small role in Joker: Folie a Deux was a standout within that messy hodgepodge of a film but he has also proven he can lead a movie with ease, as was the case with Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People or Frank Coraci's Around the World in 80 Days. That brings us to his latest film as leading man, Peter Cattaneo's The Penguin Lessons.

Set in 1976, the film takes place in Argentina as it descends into violence and chaos, where a cultured English teacher (Coogan) regains his compassion for others thanks to an unlikely friendship with a penguin.

It's what you're thinking, yes: The Penguin Lessons doesn't really try to break any new ground but it does exactly what it says on the tin and is able to do it in an incredibly effective manner. It shows how we, as humans, form a connection with and bond to animals as we care and love for them.

When first introduced, Coogan is able to effortlessly play a very unlikeable character, but he's also one you want to see succeed in his profession. It's a trope that has been used in films for decades and is very effective at bringing out big emotions when it needs to. The Penguin Lessons uses it to its advantage by making the film so deliberately paced, it shows the bond building between the man and his penguin.

However, sticking with this plotline does make the film feel quite formulaic and predictable. You practically know what sort of film you're in for before it starts, which leaves little room for surprise. It's a very good version of the man-and-his-animal story, but Steve Coogan carries it on his shoulders, standing leagues above everyone else.

Overall, you know exactly what you're getting with a film like The Penguin Lessons. It's one of those films grandparents all over the UK would applaud if it was on BBC One on Christmas Day because of how much Steve Coogan carries it.

It's too formulaic and predictable but Coogan's natural charm is the crux of making it a very enjoyable watch from start to finish.

The Penguin Lessons is in cinemas now. 

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