Hoppers Review

Directed By: Daniel Chong
Written By: Daniel Chong and Jesse Andrews
Runtime: 105 minutes
MPA Rating: PG for action/peril, some scary images, and mild language

Piper Curda – Mabel Tanaka
Bobby Moynihan – King George
Jon Hamm – Mayor Jerry Generazzo
Dave Franco – Titus
Kathy Najimy – Dr. Sam
Karen Huie – Grandma Tanaka
Eduardo Franco – Loaf
Melissa Villaseñor – Ellen
Tom Law – Tom Lizard
Aparna Nancherla – Nisha
Sam Richardson – Conner
Vanessa Bayer – Diane
Meryl Streep – Insect Queen
Isiah Whitlock Jr. – Bird King
Ego Nwodim – Fish Queen
Steve Purcell – Amphibian King
Nichole Sakura – Reptile Queen

The animal-loving college student, Mabel Tanaka (Curda), embarks on a wild romp to save the neighboring glade she and her grandmother loved in the new Pixar movie, Hoppers. Director Daniel Chong crafts a heartwarming and wildly entertaining story, hitting poignant and emotional notes that feel like classic Pixar.

The title refers to a mind-swapping technology created by Mabel’s college professor, Dr. Sam (Najimy), who invented technology that can place human consciousness inside a robotic animal body, allowing communication between humans and the animal kingdom. After unwittingly stumbling upon Dr. Sam’s experiments, Mabel decides to use the Hoppers technology to prevent the Beaverton’s dastardly mayor, Jerry Generazzo (Hamm), from tearing down a glade she used to visit with her grandmother.

After hopping into a synthetic Beaver body, Mabel’s dreams of fully immersing herself in the animal kingdom and conversing with animals come true. She soon befriends the kindly, affable mammal king, a mild-mannered beaver named George (Moynihan). At first, Mabel seeks to unite the mammals to retake the glade, as their presence will prevent Mayor Jerry’s construction projects.

However, Mabel soon discovers that Mayor Jerry has been purposefully driving the animals away from their natural habitat, provoking Mabel to take more drastic measures with the Animal Council, with rulers representing each branch of the animal kingdom. Mabel’s fervor unwittingly incites the rulers to take more aggressive measures against the humans, despite King George’s more pacifistic outlook and belief that humans aren’t so bad. Now, Mabel must find a way to save the glade and also prevent an all-out war between humans and animals.

Hoppers does present an overall pro-environmental message of preservation, but it does so in a positive, optimistic, entertaining manner that never comes off as preachy or condescending. Mabel is presented as a flawed, yet well-meaning, protagonist whose grandmother (Huie) frequently took her to the glade and taught her to love and respect nature. Chong effectively crafts the very simple yet emotional and heart-jerking relationship, and it’s easily one of the movie’s highlights.

The other key relationship comes through the friendship between Mabel and King George. King George comes off as wildly naive, buffoonish, and overly friendly at first, but he proves to be a capable, wise, and compassionate leader, believing that even humans, for all their flaws, deserve a chance and consideration.

Mabel distrusts humans more than anyone else, and for good reason, due to Mayor Jerry’s less-than-scrupulous actions with the glade. However, through her relationship with George, Mabel learns how to trust and deal with humans again, even though she’s more at home with her newfound animal buddies.

Mabel and George’s relationship goes through many twists and turns during the course of the story, but it maintains a sweet and endearing core that reinforces the heart of the movie’s themes of “we’re all in this together” and a meaningful, peaceful coexistence between humans and Mother Nature.

Chong and co-writer Jesse Andrews imbue their characters with a charming likability. Even the villains are hilariously devious and entertaining, especially the young insect prince and eventual king, Titus (Dave Franco). Franco nicely flexes his vocal villainous muscles as Titus, and it’s easily the most entertaining role of his career.

Kathy Najimy delivers another standout vocal performance as the college professor Dr. Sam, who wants to keep Mabel safe, despite her theft and misuse of the Hopper tech. Najimy brings her jovial, unique energy to the role that’s an absolute delight.

The animators at Pixar beautifully animate Hoppers, which comes as no surprise, and they wonderfully incorporate Chong’s unique visual style and energy through the various critters and animal characters. Although the film does feel classically Pixar, Chong’s indelible style still emerges in the animation, so Hoppers looks visually distinct from past Pixar adventures, which is very refreshing.

Where to Watch Hoppers

Hoppers arrives in theaters on March 6. Ticket and showtime details can be found on the film’s website.

9.0

The final score: review Amazing

The 411

Pixar has had its ups and downs recently, but the studio and director Daniel Chong hit a definite high note with Hoppers. They craft a strong story, with an uplifting moral message, filled with charming, endearing characters and a visual feast of animation. It's an incredibly cute and fun movie that still nails the emotional relationships and character arcs and provides wholesome family entertainment. Not to mention, the fun animated antics continue throughout the entire closing credits.