6/7 🪩 🪩 🪩🪩🪩🪩
Hoppers was a pleasant surprise. What starts out as a fun, classic comedy suddenly transforms into a chaotic adventure filled with emotion, meaning, and a surprising sense of transcendence. The movie really takes off about halfway through, and from that moment on it becomes something much bigger than you might expect. It’s worth noting that while this is a Pixar film, it’s not entirely a “little kids” movie. There are definitely some darker moments, mature themes, and a few scary scenes that might be a bit intense for children under six. Still, the film balances sweetness, drama, and heartfelt lessons in a way that makes it one of my favorite Pixar entries in recent years.
The music and sound design do a fantastic job of keeping the emotions grounded and relatable, and seeing it in IMAX definitely enhances the experience. Visually, Hoppers isn’t quite as bright or colorful as many Pixar films, but the animation is beautifully crafted. The environments and character designs help draw you into the story and make you fall in love with both the characters and the natural world around them. While most of the film looks incredible, there are a few moments that feel slightly less polished than others. Perhaps the result of rewrites or different animation teams, but they are minor bumps in an otherwise gorgeous presentation.
The voice acting is another highlight. The cast brings incredible energy and heart to the story, and there were several moments that made me laugh out loud. Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm all deliver memorable performances, making you smile during the lighter scenes, feel tense when the characters are in danger, and even tear up during the film’s more emotional moments. It is a strong ensemble that really brings the story to life.
Overall, I loved Hoppers. Once the story hits its midpoint, it launches into a wild ride that is equal parts chaotic and wonderful. From there, the film does not slow down, delivering emotional punches and exciting moments right up to the end. It is a heartfelt, entertaining adventure that’s absolutely worth seeing on the big screen. Also, there is a mid-credit scene so stick around for that!
Emotion: 7/7
Editing & Story: 6/7
Visuals: 6/7
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