HOPPERS
Starring: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, and Dave Franco
Director: Daniel Chong
NICK
Although Pixar's first original series, Win or Lose, felt like a return to form for the studio, Hoppers confirms it. This is the best Pixar film this decade and writer/director Daniel Chong deserves a ton of credit. Using the comedic sensibilities he showed with We Bare Bears, Chong brought forth one of the funniest Pixar entries in a while. It’s enhanced by a great voice cast, highlighted by Piper Curda, Jon Hamm, and Dave Franco. As well as the studio’s trademark heart and beautiful animation. Hoppers evokes memories of the golden age of Pixar; a clear step up from the likes of Luca and Elio.
AMARÚ
Hoppers is a wholly unique Pixar experience. It is a non-stop ball of energy from beginning to end, led by its very passionate, annoyingly persistent, and strong protagonist, Mabel (Piper Curda). Moving swiftly through its fairly straightforward narrative at a breakneck pace, it avoids the pitfalls of blandness by quickly and forcefully leaning into the unhinged aspects of its conceit. This allows the sweet and relatable messaging to be more heartfelt than other flatter and less committed Pixar films. Hoppers wholly believes in itself, and that allows the sum of the film to create something better than its routine parts.
ADRIANO
While it’s nowhere close to the highs of its golden age, Hoppers is Pixar’s best outing since Inside Out. Admittedly, it took a moment to find its footing beyond serviceable children's fare, but when it did, I laughed a whole helluva lot. When Pixar’s working, it’s not only because it’s entertaining, but also because it’s so sincere, and Hoppers struck a nerve with its societal messaging. The feeling of hopelessness against corporations and the environmental love narrative got me good, and if a Pixar movie can make me laugh and get emotional, that's a winner.
