Verdict: 4/5
With a long weekend and school holidays on our doorstep, taking the kids to the movies is a great (albeit, expensive) way to fill some time.
If you don’t feel like sitting through another cheesy, boring kids’ flick however, I would suggest ‘Hoppers’. While it is animated and geared towards the little ones, it’s got enough laughs, plot and tear-jerk moments to satisfy any adult.
The plot revolves around 19-year-old Mabel, who feels it is her life’s mission to protect the beautiful glade that was once precious to her and her grandma.
Through the research of her professor Dr Sam, Mabel uses technology to insert her consciousness into a robotic beaver, in order to engage with and convince other animals to return to the glade, saving it from destruction.
I am a big fan of cute animal animation, and upon seeing the trailers for this, I was sold. The animation style is typical PIXAR, meaning everything is drawn in incredible detail. From strands of hair to Beaver fur, the animation is impeccable.
The plot holds plenty of twists and turns, and has some valuable messages beneath the fluffy exterior. The characters get real about man-made structures and development, and how it affects the wildlife around us, all while providing plenty of laughs.
I must say, there were several moments which brought tears to my eyes, especially reflecting on the friendship between Mabel and the animals she meets along the way.
This movie is good, and not just by kids’ movie standards. It has enough substance and heart to entertain the parents, and enough cuteness and excitement for the kids. This is a film I would happily see again.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
