Pixar's latest animated offering, Hoppers, delivers a sprightly and witty family adventure that cleverly explores the timeless human fascination with understanding animals. Directed by Daniel Chong and co-produced by Pixar veteran Pete Docter, this film combines environmental advocacy with Disney's signature anthropomorphism, creating an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.
A Teen's Quest to Save the Woodland
The story centres on Mabel, a teenager voiced by Piper Curda, who lives with her grandmother. From her wise elder, Mabel learns to cherish the peaceful woodland glade near their home, embracing values of nature conservation, acceptance, and forgiveness. However, their idyllic life is threatened when the villainous Mayor Jerry, voiced with gusto by Jon Hamm, announces plans to destroy the glade for a new freeway.
Mabel discovers that the only legal way to halt the destruction is to repopulate the area with beavers and other animals that have mysteriously disappeared. This sets her on a perilous journey to communicate with the animal kingdom, uncovering a conspiracy at her university along the way.
Navigating the Animal Kingdom
As Mabel attempts to persuade the animals to return, she encounters the harsh realities of the wild. Carnivorous creatures prove disconcertingly fierce, and a certain insect queen, voiced by the legendary Meryl Streep, offers little sympathy. The film amusingly riffs on classics like Avatar, Inception, The Lion King, and Dr Dolittle, while playfully acknowledging its own similarities to these tales.
Despite some narrative hesitancy in fully developing its villain, Hoppers zips along with energetic pacing and humour. A standout cameo from a persistently hostile shark on land adds to the film's comedic charm, ensuring laughs for audiences of all ages.
Themes of Communication and Empathy
At its heart, Hoppers delves into the great mystery of animal consciousness and the human yearning to connect with other species. It celebrates Disney's long-standing tradition of anthropomorphism while injecting fresh wit through co-writer Jesse Andrews' punchy dialogue. The film's environmental message is delivered with a light touch, emphasising the importance of protecting natural habitats and fostering empathy across species boundaries.
With its release scheduled for 5 March in Australia and 6 March in the UK and US, Hoppers promises to be a delightful addition to Pixar's esteemed catalogue, blending fun, fantasy, and a poignant call for ecological stewardship.
