Thomas Storai 
Hoppers is an entertaining film that delivers many laugh-out-loud moments while also being a compelling ecological fable that offers plenty of food for thought.
Hoppers is the latest Pixar film, directed by Daniel Chong and written by Jesse Andrews. It features the voices of Piper Curda, Boby Moynihan, Dave Franco, and Jon Hamm. The film releases in cinemas on March 6.
PREMISE
Hoppers follows the story of Mabel Tanaka, a young animal lover who tries to protect the glade in her town from being replaced by a freeway. One night, she uses a new technology at her university that allows her to transfer her mind into a robotic beaver, letting her discover the mysteries of the animal world.
STORY
This film is actually quite a pleasant surprise. From start to finish, it’s an entertaining adventure for the whole family. Indeed, on the surface, it’s a fun ride delivering many laugh-out-loud moments. Whether you are a kid or an adult, these jokes will make you laugh. Several moments in the film genuinely catch the audience off guard, leaving viewers stunned that it actually dared to go there. This film has an intriguing concept, and it’s not afraid to exploit it to its full potential by being wacky.
On top of that, there is actually a proper villain in this film. We hadn’t gotten that in a Pixar film in a while. Having a villain means there are bigger stakes in the story. Beyond the laughs and the villain, this story is quite emotional as well. It’s about family, standing up for what’s right, and finding your place.
All these elements help Hoppers recapture the charm and imagination of Pixar’s early films — something we haven’t seen in years. Undoubtedly, this one will truly stick with the audience. Moreover, Hoppers is more than just a fun ride; it’s a compelling ecological fable, too. It will leave the audience with plenty of food for thought. In fact, it can be taken as a commentary on our current world, on how humankind destroys nature to expand without realizing that it destroys itself too. At its heart, the film carries a beautiful message: we are all living in symbiosis. It’s a message that applies to humanity and nature, and also to humans among themselves. So, it’s something kids can learn from this film, and adults can remember it as well.
VISUALS
Furthermore, Hoppers stands apart from the usual Pixar films. It features a different animation style, and that’s quite refreshing to see. While you can still tell it’s a Pixar film, it carries its own visual distinct identity. It’s encouraging to see the studio continue to evolve and take creative risks, proving that even after decades of success, it’s still eager to explore new artistic directions.
VERDICT
Hoppers is a pleasant surprise. It’s an entertaining film that delivers many laugh-out-loud moments while also being a compelling ecological fable that offers plenty of food for thought. The animation style is refreshing, standing apart from the usual Pixar films.
Hoppers releases on March 6 in cinemas.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
