Shadows on the Wall

Hoppers

dir Daniel Chong
scr Jesse Andrews
prd Nicole Paradis Grindle
with Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, Meryl Streep, Karen Huie, Melissa Villasenor, Isiah Whitlock Jr, Ego Nwodim, Vanessa Bayer, Sam Richardson
release US/UK 6.Mar.26
26/US Pixar 1h45

Is it streaming?

Thoroughly enjoyable, this animated adventure uses Pixar's standard imagery style to tell a story that blends nature preservation with sci-fi wackiness. Essentially a comical take on Avatar, the premise gets stretched beyond the breaking point, which makes the film perhaps feel a bit preachy. But director Daniel Chong makes sure that the characters are quirky and very loveable in funny moments that are packed with hilarious references.

In a tranquil glade outside the city of Beaverton, 19-year-old environmental activist Mabel (Curda) has fond memories of communing with nature alongside her late grandmother (Huie). But now Mayor Jerry (Hamm) is building a bypass right through this paradise, scaring away the animals. Then Mabel discovers that science professor Dr Sam (Najimy) has invented a way to hop human consciousness into robotic animals. So Mabel becomes a beaver to warn the critters, befriending beaver King George (Moynihan) and enlisting the help of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, fish and amphibians. Of course her plan backfires spectacularly.

While the film features underserved characters, slow spells and over-the-top silliness, it's so amiable that it's hard not to enjoy the romp. The first-rate voice cast has fun creating big personalities, with Streep particularly terrific in a brief but unforgettable role as the butterfly queen whose vain caterpillar son (Franco) causes the nuttiest mayhem. Amusingly, the filmmakers play up the insane moment when the plot literally jumps the shark. Her name is Diane (chripily voiced by Bayer).

Designs feature have Pixar's usual cartoonish figures and cutely anthropomorphised creatures, plus of course a skilful attention to textures from water to fur, remarkable tiny details in every corner, and witty cutaway gags. But frankly, most of the other animation studios are breaking this mould, finding more original visual styles and taking bigger narrative leaps. For example, this movie often echoes but never gets anywhere near to The Wild Robot on every front.

The story's strong message centres on how humans are just one species in the grand scheme of things, and we've been disproportionately destructive of our habitat. So even if the goofy tone leaves comments on such important themes feeling a bit glib, it's important to be reminded that we all need to work together to keep our homes safe. And it's nice that screenwriter Andrews dares to maintain the natural order of the food chain, even if it's deflected as a joke: when you've got to eat, eat.

themes, violence 1.Mar.26

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

Still waiting for your comments ... don't be shy.