Living on a rundown shipwreck, Mr Fish one day discovers a hyperactive young sea dragon Pip– who has mistaken his home for a junk-yard–pilfering his belongings. The heated argument that ensues leaves both their houses in ruin. But there is hope! Embarking on a seemingly impossible quest in search of the mythical “shimmer” to grant them a wish, there’s only one problem: someone else is also on the hunt.
This is a pleasant movie with some belly laughs and it is always pleasant to hear the Aussie accent in the cinema. While adults may smile at the pretty animation colours, the young tots around me were vibing at every nuanced joke.
The Pout Pout fish believes he only knows how to frown, even though many of his friends suggest ways to change his expression, until one day a fish comes along that shows him otherwise. The movie is a hilarious and heart warming story of an unlikely duo: Mr Fish, a prickly recluse and Pip, a hyperactive sea dragon, who embark on a daunting quest. When catastrophe strikes, they must embark on a daunting undersea search for a fabled mythical Fish to grant their wish to save their homes. Its a seemingly impossible mission into the great unknown, their adventure is met with infuriating roadblocks, unexpected dangers, dazzling wonders, irresistible characters and heart-pounding excitement.
So begins a full-throttled, all-or-nothing race-against-the – clock scenario, as these subaquatic misfits call upon all the strengths, friendships and wisdom they’ve gained on their journeys to save the places that mean most to them.
THE POUT-POUT FISH is an 2026 animated fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Richard Cusso and Rio Harrington and written by Elise Allen and Elie Choufany. Its a co-production between Australia and United States and is based on the children’s book THE POUT-POUT FISH by Deborah Diesen featuring the cast voices of: Nick Offerman as Mr Fish, a short-tempered blue ocean pout; Nina Oyama as Pip, a hyperactive baby leaf sea dragon; Penny Hii as Benji, an orange cuttlefish; Jordan Sparks as Shimmer, a pink Siamese fighting fish; Amy Sedaris as the pink dolphins; Nazeee Hussain as Archie, a blue cuttlefish with spectacles. Miranda Otto is listed as one of the film’s producers.
The first POUT-POUT FISH book was published in 2008 and was named a top 10 children’s book by Time Magazine. Since then, it’s author Deborah Diesen has written scores of spin-offs with more than 10 million copies sold.
The story has lessons, mainly about happiness and the role of purpose in making a life meaningful. Mr Fish lives with a constant pout on his face. He always seems to be sad and frowning. Octopi, clams and other various sea critters all tell him to smile a little and be happy, but the Pout Pout Fish claims that this is just the way he is, then, all of a sudden, his frown turns upside-down after he is kissed by a shimmering silver fish!
As in the book, the film explores many facets of happiness, asking do we control our own happiness and also, the role of will and circumstance in shaping our emotions The other fish don’t understand his moodiness, and exclude him because of this, furthering his sadness.
Kids rate the film fintastic!
