Oddball (film)

[2] It stars Shane Jacobson, Sarah Snook, Alan Tudyk, Coco Jack Gillies, Richard Davies and Deborah Mailman.

Emily Marsh walks on the island counting the minimal number of penguins left after another attack by foxes, along with her co-workers Zoe, Paul Watt, and her friend Jack Jones.

Surprised by Oddball's sudden change in his ability to protect other animals, he conceives an idea to save the dwindling penguin colony.

They begin training Oddball and convince Emily to go on a holiday to Melbourne with Bradley, where he proposes that they and Olivia move to New York City.

After Oddball successfully fends off a fox and protects Pocket and his significant other, he and Olivia decide that the dog can guard the birds nightly.

Swampy accuses Emily of running away after she proposes to follow Bradley's plan to move away with him and Olivia, and she says the sanctuary is done.

Outraged and offended by her father's comments, Emily says that she put more effort into the penguin sanctuary than he did when her mum died.

After saving Oddball, Swampy and Olivia meet Emily and the slightly drugged Jack (from a dart gun accident) at the beach connecting to Middle Island.

Zoe is shot with a tranquilizer dart and arrested by Jack, and Oddball carefully retrieves the egg with guidance from Swampy, Emily, and Olivia.

[6] Luke Buckmaster of The Guardian wrote, "Some kinks in the writing notwithstanding, Oddball is fun and thoughtfully minded, with a sweet charm that endears from the get-go.

"[8] Jake Wilson of the Sydney Morning Herald gave a negative review, writing "Unfortunately, they appear to have lost sight of the golden rule for family movies of this type, which is to keep the focus squarely on the animals or, failing that, on the kids.

"[9] Sandra Hall, also of the Sydney Morning Herald, wrote "Jacobson is so intent on its efforts to firm up Swampy's credentials as an impractical but inspired eccentric that he's in danger of turning him into a gormless irritant.