The Penguin Lessons – What did Unlimited members make of the new Steve Coogan comedy drama

Brand-new comedy drama The Penguin Lessons comes waddling into Cineworld cinemas this month, pairing comedy legend Steve Coogan with – you guessed it – a penguin. Directed by Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty, Military Wives), and based on Tom Michell's 2015 much-loved memoir of the same name, the movie is centred around a British teacher working in Argentina who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a penguin after rescuing it from an oil slick.

We treated Cineworld Unlimited members to an advance screening of The Penguin Lessons, before the film goes on general release on April 16th. But what did they make of it? Here, we've rounded up some of their comments on social media...

Regular advanced screenings are just one of the benefits of Unlimited membership. You also get unlimited free visits to Cineworld, discounts on in-cinema snacks and drinks, plus offers on our premium format screenings (IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen). To find out more, visit our Unlimited membership page.

This X user was full of praise for Peter Cattaneo's film and the people in it...

It was a really good movie! Very cute but also the ending was really sad but heartwarming at the same time! The entire cast was fantastic! You might want to bring some tissues for when you go to watch the movie. Overall Score: 9/10! Grade: A! 😁😁😁🐧🐧🐧
— James Acraman (@JamesAcraman) April 7, 2025

Likewise this Unlimited member, who strongly advises that other film lovers come to see it...

Absolutely stunning movie - so well acted and recommend to all!
— Paul Leahey (@TotalMetal) April 7, 2025

For this member, the lead actor deserved special praise, though they loved everything about the film...

Such a beautiful/powerful film about hope education and standing up for what is right. Steve Coogan gives a phenomenal performance in this might just he his best. The cinematography is stunning. The writing and story are amazing. One of the years best film. Such a beautiful film
— Po Muad'Dib (@posaidwhat) April 7, 2025

Steve Coogan was also singled out by this X user, who also appreciated the historical context of the movie...

Funny and moving with a charming central performance from
Steve Coogan. Strong juxtaposition between the terrifying situation that was Argentina in the mid 70s and a cute animal story. 8/10
— The Fourth Dimension (@Mike_J_Lord) April 7, 2025

It's not just the Alan Partridge actor who makes the film, though, and this Unlimited member was complimentary about the bird's performance...

A lovely movie that really draws you in. The setup sounds bizarre but Coogan's likability and the penguin's positive interactions with everyone else make this a wonderful film.
— Peter Sisson (@velvetcactus198) April 7, 2025

This Unlimited member wasn't ashamed to admit that the film left them feeling emotional...