Hoppers

Hoppers is a bright‑colored Pixar adventure that blends science‑fiction, comedy, and a whole lot of heart. The story follows Mabel Tanaka, a spirited animal lover who grows up in a forest glade near the city of Beaverton. When the mayor announces plans to replace the glade with a freeway, Mabel’s activism puts her at odds with the town’s power‑hungry leaders and her own college professor. The twist comes when she discovers a cutting‑edge “Hoppers” program that lets a human consciousness hop into a lifelike robotic animal. With a little help from her friends, Mabel jumps into a robotic beaver and finds herself living the life of a real animal, learning to communicate with the forest’s residents in ways she never imagined.

The film is directed by Daniel Chong, who brings his experience from the We Bare Bears franchise, and written by Jesse Andrews. The voice cast is a fun mix of fresh talent and seasoned stars: Piper Curda as Mabel, Bobby Moynihan as King George the beaver monarch, Jon Hamm as the slick mayor, Kathy Najimy as the brilliant scientist Dr. Sam Fairfax, and Dave Franco as the ambitious insect king. The music, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, gives the movie a playful, upbeat feel, while SZA’s end‑credits track “Save the Day” adds a modern pop flare.

Critics have praised Hoppers for its gorgeous animation, clever humor, and the way it tackles environmental themes without feeling preachy. On Rotten Tomatoes, 94% of 144 reviews are positive, and audiences gave it an “A” on CinemaScore. The film’s box‑office performance has been solid, pulling in $88 million worldwide against a $150 million budget—an impressive return for a family‑friendly animated feature.

Who will love this movie? Anyone who enjoys Pixar’s knack for turning everyday adventures into extraordinary tales will find plenty to smile at. Animal lovers will appreciate the detailed world of the forest and the way the characters highlight the importance of protecting natural habitats. Families will enjoy the light‑hearted plot and the fun, non‑spatial dialogue between humans and animals. Fans of animated sci‑fi will also get a kick out of the “hopping” concept, which feels fresh and original.

On the flip side, if you’re not a fan of animated films or prefer more grounded, realistic storytelling, Hoppers might feel a bit too whimsical. Those who dislike environmental messaging might also find the film’s underlying message a bit too obvious. But for most viewers, the movie offers a delightful mix of laughs, adventure, and a gentle reminder that even the smallest voices can make a big difference.