Disney Shines with HOPPERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming across multiple platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home from Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, and Daniel Chong comes the story of loving animals in HOPPERS.

Mabel (Piper Curda) is a young animal lover from the city of Beaverton. Always trying to save animals, it is her grandmother who teaches her about the forest glade and the wild animals that live there. Staying in her grandmother's home after her passing, Mabel continues her fight. When she learns that the town's mayor, Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm), intends to build a freeway through the glen, Mabel is determined to stop him. How?

Well, Mabel learns that biology professor Dr. Sam Fairfax (Kathy Najimy) has an ingenious way that just might help. Technology called the Hoppers Program allows Mabel the ability to connect with the wildlife. Being monitored by Dr. Fairfax, Nisha (Aparna Nancherla), and Conner (Sam Richardson) helps to follow along. When Mabel breaks pond rule, Ellen (Melissa Villasenor), the bear, is taken to beaver King George (Bobby Moynihan), who takes care of displaced animals. He tells Mabel what is causing all of this, which means that when these two get together, Jerry doesn’t stand a chance!

There is a great summoning of all the animal royalty, from the fish, snakes, insects, all of them. Together, they discuss what to do next, but it doesn’t actually go according to plan. The animals come together to because, sometimes, you can’t go against nature!

Curda, voicing Mabel, is so charming and believes in what she is doing wholeheartedly. I just love her expression, which lends such warmth to the character. Moynihan, as King George, is such a fun-loving guy who just loves taking care of the other animals around him. Najimy, as Dr. Fairfax is responsible for Mabels, well, condition but is keeping an eye on her. Hamm, as Jerry, is the target of the animal world’s anger and is set to be handled.

Villasenor, as Ellen is the largest of the animals, is fighting for their place in the world. If you need someone on your side and don’t mind interfering with pond rules, then Ellen is your bear. Shout out to Franco as Titus because sometimes dynamite comes in small, crazy packages.

Other cast include Dave Franco as Titus, Eduardo Franco as Loaf, Tom Law as Tom Lizard, Ego Nwodim as Fish Queen, Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Bird King, Steve Purcell as Amphibian King, Vanessa Bayer as Diane, Lori Alan as Mabel’s mother, Karen Huie as Grandma Tanaka, Joe Spano as Elder Beavertonian, and Meryl Streep as the Insect Queen.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features, including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO, and SLEEPING BEAUTY, to name a few, is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library, please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

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Bonus Features include The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers, Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers, "Meet King George" Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.

Also included is Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts. Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth. Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes. Cold Open, The Glade, The Mission, Kings Arrive, George's Bachelor Pad, and Helicopter Ride.

HOPPERS is such an emotional film dealing with so many important issues. The first is Mabel, a young girl who sees the beauty in the freedom of creatures. When no one else sees her heart, it is her grandmother who accepts everything about Mabel. A politician who sees only himself and power instead of what is right for the world around him, especially the animals. Let’s not forget the environment and animals who finally see a way to have a say in what is happening around them.

The story is so original and amazing, but then that’s what Disney and Pixar are very good at when it comes to animation. The funny is also on point, which I love. Bringing families together for not only an enjoyable time, but also to have plenty to discuss afterward. The animation is stellar as always, and they couldn’t have made George any cuter if they tried. So grab the family, get the popcorn ready, and curl up for a night among the wildlife!

In the end – be part of something big!