Hoppers

It’s always incredible just how different Pixar can make each film they release.

Despite them suffering a little in recent times from ‘too-many-sequels-syndrome,’ they can always be relied upon when they come up with an original concept.

It’s also quite strange to think how little of their films are ‘animal’ based considering how prevalent it is with other animated movies.

Hoppers might, bizarrely, be the most ‘Dreamworks-like’ Pixar film and is largely animal-led and action-based.

Taking the Avatar-esque idea of putting brains into synthetic bodies, here we have a student trying to save a glade from having a roadway installed over it.

Straight away, you can assume where this is going but Hoppers tries everything to avoid the stereotypes.

For one, whilst the climate change theme is right there upfront, it’s surprisingly unpreachy. It doesn’t even make a huge amount of scientific points about wildlife and, whilst obviously the message is somewhere around the rather twee ‘have love for all things,’ it sells it well without bashing you over the head.

It’s also, frankly, utterly manic in the best possible way. It piles ever-escalating craziness on top of each other to the point that the chaos is just purely enjoyable.

It’s also hysterical, playing jokes for kids and adults, and the voicework is marvellous.

It’s a surprise and a delight. A chance to see Pixar let loose and, whilst it isn’t in the ‘top-tier Pixar’ category, it’s a great watch for all the family.

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