“Hoppers” is one of Pixar’s best and funniest movies in years, and that’s not an exaggeration.
Some of the studio’s recent releases—particularly its original concepts—have been hit or miss with audiences. “Hoppers” is a wacky, sci-fi animated adventure with a lot of charm and plenty of fun characters.
The movie follows Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda), a passionate environmental activist who is determined to protect a glade near her house from the town’s smarmy Mayor Jerry, who wants to build a stretch of highway right through it.
The glade was a place Mabel would visit with her grandmother (voiced by Karen Huie), who taught her how to appreciate nature. So for her, saving it is personal.
After Mabel’s attempts to stop Mayor Jerry’s plans fail, she accidentally stumbles across a secret high-tech project her professor (Kathy Najimy) has been working on that lets humans “hop” into realistic animal robots and talk with animals.
Once Mabel crosses over into the animal world , she hatches a plan to save the glade once and for all. Her interference in the animal world leads her to a group of memorable characters, including King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), a beaver who has created a refuge for the animals; Titus (Dave Franco), a power-hungry insect; and Titus’s butterfly mother (voiced by Meryl Streep).
The result is a quirky story set in the animal kingdom, with an almost endless stream of gags and jokes. Not all the jokes land, and some of the humor is surprisingly darker than most Pixar movies, but the movie’s commitment to the bit is what makes it all work.
“Hoppers” isn’t just about the laughs. The movie also has some to say about conservation and protecting the world around us. Sure, the message is a little heavy-handed, but it feels incredibly sincere. The movie also has positive messages about cooperation and fighting for what you believe in.
Some of the story feels familiar—there will inevitably be “Avatar” comparisons and one of the character arcs is oddly reminiscent of “The Lion King”—but the movie still feels fresh.
The animation is vibrant and detailed. The character designs for the adorable animals are so well done.
Although, it doesn’t reach the heights of Pixar’s greatest hits, “Hoppers” is an incredibly entertaining movie that both young and old will enjoy.
Hoppers
Directed by: Daniel Chong
Cast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, Eduardo Franco, Aparna Nancherla, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Dave Franco, Meryl Streep
105 minutes
Ashley Carter is a journalist with extensive experience covering entertainment. She is a member of the Critics Association of Central Florida and reviews movies on her YouTube channel Ashley Talks Movies.
