If you’re looking for the next great family movie, Hoppers officially joins the ranks of the other great Disney and Pixar animated family films. The film is “cute” in the best way possible. It blends the classic heart Pixar moviegoers have come to expect with a plot that’s a little unhinged in all the right ways.
Highlights
The Voice Talent: The cast is absolutely outstanding in this film. The chemistry between Piper Curda’s Mabel and Jon Hamm’s Mayor Jerry is both hilarious and important. The constant battle of the girl who wants to honor those important to her and a Mayor that views her as a speed bump in the way of progress builds the tension for the movie, as well as provides a few of the more lighthearted moments.
Visually Stunning: As can be expected from the powerhouse of animation that is Disney/Pixar, the animation in Hoppers is stunning. The film stuns in the small details, such as the texture of the “robotic” fur and the larger details, such as the lush outdoor environments. The animation feels fluid and dynamic, with even the smallest of characters, like the ant’s movement, feeling natural and well done.
Easter Eggs: Make sure and keep your eyes peeled. As is the standard for Pixar movies, Hoppers is chocked full of easter eggs. Not only are there nods to other Pixar movies, but little hidden easter eggs in tribute to Disney’s The Haunted Mansion ride among others. There’s still the traditional Pixar nods you’ve come to expect like the Pizza Planet truck but there are others. Some are obvious and some are blink and you miss it moments but they help to force you to focus on the action on the screen.
Final Thoughts
Hoppers is another great family movie from Disney/Pixar that is filled with genuine laughs and enough layers that both kids and adults will stay entertained throughout the movie. I believe my wife and I laughed harder than the kids did. Whether it’s wild animals figuring out text-to-speech functions, tiny crowns, or even Beavers working hard to 1980’s rock anthems, the movie scratches all the right itches. This movie blends the classic animation and heart we have come to expect with a truly unhinged idea of transporting people’s consciousness into a robot. The film manages to feel grounded even when you’re watching animated beavers gnaw on wood. Underneath it all is the ultimate message about being so dedicated to an idea that sometimes you can lose yourself in pursuit of it.
Have you seen Hoppers? Tell us what you thought in the comments below.
