Mabel (Piper Carda), a 19 year-old with a passion for nature, is fighting to save a glade with special meaning for her family. It's under threat from the local mayor (Jon Hamm), and his highway construction plans. This very personal mission leads Mabel to discover technology that allows her to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver, Avatar style, and explore the animal kingdom, unlocking unimaginable secrets. But will she be able to use it to save the glade?
Pixar's 30th feature film is yet another hilarious foray into nature, but in much the same way scientists use camera rigs disguised as animals to observe different species in their natural habitats. Only this time, a human actually gets to explore the animal kingdom by hanging out with the animals, and Hoppers is delightfully self-aware when it comes to the similarities it shares with a certain James Cameron property. One of several amusing pop culture references throughout the film.
In many ways it is an even wilder adventure than the Terminator director's many trips to visit the Na'vi. One that is continually able to surprise you in hysterical ways. And as is often the case with Pixar, Hoppers will no doubt appeal to both the young and the young at heart. In fact, Mabel's excitement for essentially becoming a beaver and meeting the local wildlife matches that of many of us when the legendary studio releases a new movie.
Hoppers is everything we have come to expect from the filmmakers behind Toy Story, Finding Nemo and WALL-E. A heart-warming and funny story, with a youthful exuberance. Set in a rich and beautiful world, filled with charming characters - including some hilariously evil villains. All of which is brought to life by some absolutely stunning animation, a cool soundtrack, and a fantastic voice cast. Parts of the movie may go over the heads of younger viewers, but the crazy animal antics are sure to keep them entertained.
As is often the case with Pixar, the importance of family is a major theme here, on top of a message about nature, and taking care of the little planet we call home. While Mabel's struggles, both with saving her beloved glade and within herself, make her more than a compelling protagonist. She is a wonderfully complicated character, and her attempts to find a place in this world will undoubtedly make her rather relatable to people of all ages.
Jon Hamm, on the other hand, is perfectly slimy as Mayor Jerry. Could he be a lesson to kids about the trustworthiness of politicians? Maybe. But Hamm definitely brings a lot of humour to the surprisingly beloved Mayor of Beaverton. As do Kathy Najimy, Aparna Nancherla and Sam Richardson as the scientists behind the 'hopping' technology. Their attempts to retrieve Mabel the beaver are particularly amusing.
Then there are the animals that Mabel meets along the way, including a goose voiced by Isiah Whitlock Jr. in one of his final roles, Melissa Villaseñor as Ellen the bear, and Bobby Moynihan as a loveable beaver called George. But Mabel's interactions aren't always plain sailing, and her efforts put the human and animal worlds on something of a collision course. Which at the very least allows Dave Franco to bring some pantomime levels of cartoon villainy. Although there are times when his rather intense voice performance, combined with an interesting look for his character, could prove a bit scary for some children.
That said, overall Hoppers is a hysterically calamitous but heart-warming adventure, that goes to some places you would never expect. What you should expect - certainly those familiar with Pixar, anyway - is that director Daniel Chong and his team will make you pay for every laugh with a few tear-jerker moments. But it will also leave you in awe of the natural world, while making you wish you could 'hop' into a robot animal, so you could kick it with some animal friends.
Pixar's 30th feature film is yet another triumph for the now legendary studio. The villain may prove a bit much at times for some children, but ultimately, Hoppers is a delightful foray into the animal kingdom, with some truly funny and heart-warming moments.
9/10
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