Jim Carrey: 'I am Mr Popper'

Jim Carrey has revealed that he chose Mr Popper's Penguins because he understands the movie's lead character.

The film centres on a divorced property tycoon who finds his life turned upside down by the arrival of six penguins in his New York apartment.

Carrey told The Telegraph: "I wanted to do a movie families are going to remember. It puts you in touch with what's important in life, such as the value of love, family and friendship, but it's also funny and edgy.

"I'm the right person to play the part because there have been times in my life where I haven't been completely connected to my family the way I should have."

Carrey, who made his breakthrough in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, added: "Some people resist working with children and animals but I love capturing the spark of innocence.

"It's really difficult to be unhappy around a penguin. They're like puppies, times ten."

Carrey has previously described working with the creatures as a "magical, spontaneous" thing.

The actor admitted recently that he is open to starring in a sequel to Ace Ventura in order to please his "new generation" of fans.

Mr Popper's Penguins is out now in the US and opens on August 5 in UK cinemas.

Watch a trailer for Mr. Popper's Penguins below: