Pixar’s newest animated film, Hoppers, came to the theater on March 8. In the movie, director Daniel Chong presents the unique perspective of a human mind in an animal’s body. The film features many well-known voices, such as Piper Curda, Meryl Streep, and Jon Hamm. Its heartfelt and meaningful messages about preserving nature make it a fun and imaginative movie for all to see.
Hoppers is rated PG and includes emotional scenes along with a few depictions of animated animals fighting. The film showcases Chong’s well-known style of blending child-friendly jokes with scenes that tug on one’s heartstrings, a style also found in his hit series, We Bare Bears. The beautiful soundtrack, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, features the song Save The Day by SZA.
The film follows the main character, Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda), in her fight against the mayor, who is trying to destroy her childhood reservoir. With vivid colors, the animation captures the whole audience’s attention. Mabel is passionate about the environment and uses advanced technology to transport her brain into a beaver body. By doing so, she enters the animal world and can talk to and understand the animals she is so in awe of.
While exploring, Mabel discovers the dangers of humans that threaten the animals’ lives and homes. Strong-minded and powerful, Mabel uses her leadership skills to unite the animals and fight back against the building of a freeway that could destroy their home. The film dives deep into environmental issues that plague our world today, including human error destroying forests and animals’ homes, sending the audience messages about what needs to be done.
While on this journey, Mabel meets King George (Bobby Moynihan) and they quickly become friends. They go through ups and downs together, such as defeating an enemy butterfly and helping each other escape harsh situations. Throughout the many action-filled scenes, an underlying theme of friendship is formed. Unfortunately, the mayor, Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm), often referred to as Mayor Jerry, continuously pushes for his freeway run through the forest, creating tension between the two.
The constant rush of the fast-paced scenery and the soft tugs on the viewer’s heartstrings make this hour-and-forty-five-minute movie worth watching. Although it is seen as a comedy, the film features many relevant life lessons, such as the importance of humans and the environment coexisting peacefully. The adventure and charisma of all the characters fill the room and create a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for the audience. Hoppers is an excellent movie fit for families or anyone who enjoys a good chuckle and thought-provoking motifs, and it earns four out of five feathers.
