Plot: What’s it about?
I find it difficult to believe that the Pixar universe is now over three decades old. What started with a room full of computers that brought us Toy Story has now made billions of dollars on films and who knows how much more out of merchandising. Anyone who thought that a feature-length “cartoon” couldn’t make any money or tell a satisfying story must be kicking themselves. And there’s a lot more to some of these films than just simple entertainment. Many have made statements about life, culture, heritage and development. Films like Inside Out (and its sequel) that dealt with emotional issues, Coco with its focus on heritage or Turning Red which deals with growth and change (albeit in the human body). With Hoppers, we’re now dealing with something a bit different – it focuses on the urgent need for environmental stewardship, empathy, and active conservation. Everywhere I look I see places that are now concrete jungles that used to be full of life (and trees). It might seem innocuous, but this might be one of the more important films to address the issue.
We meet and follow Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), a college student that has an affinity for nature and every little (and big) critter out there. She finds herself in constant conflict with the town’s mayor, Jerry Generazzo (voiced by Jon Hamm), who wants to continue the construction of a freeway. In a sense, it’s not a huge deal, but it would also cut through a local animal habitat. The animals have already fled due to the construction and Mabel believes if she can get them to return, the major might have a change of heart. To do this, she uses a “hopping” (get it?) technology invented by her professor, Dr. Sam (voiced by Kathy Najimy). This would allow Mabel to inhabit the body of a robotic beaver so that she can communicate with the animals; thereby convincing them to return to their home. Along the way, she befriends King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), the “king” beaver, who works with her to try and keep Mother Nature the way it was intended.
I’ve never been one to protest. It’s not that I don’t care about causes, it’s just that I think “I’m one person, what can I possibly accomplish?” There’s a lot of political unrest in the country these days and many get out and voice their opinions on it. I’m just not one of those people. I do vote, which is the definitive way to have me make a statement. The point I’m trying to make is that sometimes things do make a difference. No matter how little. And that’s a message that this film does manage to hammer home. It’s quite a bold film for Pixar and it’s perhaps one of their best (and funniest) efforts in years. I mean, I was laughing – hard – at some scenes. That’s always been the hallmark of Pixar films – they can entertain and educate but have something for everyone. You don’t need to be a “tree hugger” to appreciate the theme in this one. Hoppers is one that’ll certainly make you laugh, and even bring a tear to your eye as well.
Video: How’s it look?
I think it goes without saying that any computer animated film that’s new to the format (or streaming) will look absolutely amazing on any HDTV. And, true to form, Hoppers looks downright amazing. We’ve seen these Pixar films since the early days of DVD and I don’t think I’ve ever once been disappointed by the way they translate to my screen. This is certainly no exception. The intricacy of detail, the colors, the contrast – they all combine to give us one of the nicest-looking pictures that utilizes every inch or your screen and every pixel in it. This is stunning and we’d expect no less.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Regardless if you’re streaming this or watching it on Blu-ray or 4K, you’ll be impressed. The Dolby Atmos mix has a bit more depth, but for all intents and purposes – this is indicative of what we can expect. And, truthfully, it delivers. We’d expect it to, of course. Atmospheric sounds, vocals (Jon Hamm’s voice in particular resonates), the front stage and surrounds are all highly involved in this caper. It’s hard to really pinpoint a “best scene” when it comes to audio, but it goes without saying that this one will more than satisfy.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers.
- Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers.
- “Meet King George” Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.
- Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts.
- Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth.
- Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes.
- Cold Open
- The Glade
- The Mission
- Kings Arrive
- George’s Bachelor Pad
- Helicopter Ride
The Bottom Line
In spite of what you might have read on the internet (which is never wrong about anything, didn’t you know?) this isn’t a rip off of Avatar. It’s more than that. It’s one of Pixar’s better films in years and it actually makes a statement. Not many films can do that.
