Hoppers

Hoppers is a 105‑minute Pixar animated adventure that blends science‑fiction, comedy, and a dash of environmental activism. Directed by Daniel Chong and written by Jesse Andrews, the film follows 19‑year‑old Mabel Tanaka, voiced by Piper Curda, who discovers a way to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic animal. With the help of a quirky team of scientists, Mabel becomes a beaver‑body and sets out to talk to the forest’s residents and protect their home from a greedy mayor’s freeway plans.

The story is set in the town of Beaverton, where Mabel’s love for nature is sparked by her grandmother’s stories of the local glade. When the mayor, Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm), threatens to replace the glade with a highway, Mabel rallies the townsfolk and, after a daring escape from the lab, finds herself living as a beaver among real animals. Along the way she meets King George (Bobby Moynihan), the charismatic beaver monarch, and a colorful council of animal leaders—including a bear, a frog king, a fish queen, and even a shark assassin voiced by Vanessa Bayer. The film’s humor comes from the absurdity of a human mind navigating the animal world, the “spy‑thriller” feel of Mabel’s covert missions, and the witty banter between the animal council and the human characters.

The voice cast is a mix of fresh talent and seasoned stars. In addition to Curda, Moynihan, Hamm, Kathy Najimy (as Dr. Sam), and Dave Franco (as the Insect King), the film features Lila Liu as young Mabel, Eman Abdul‑Razzak as young Titus, and a host of other voices like Meryl Streep as the respected Insect Queen and Steve Purcell as the Amphibian King. The score, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, gives the film a playful, adventurous feel, while an original end‑credits song by SZA, “Save the Day,” adds a contemporary pop touch.

Hoppers is a fun, family‑friendly romp that will appeal to Pixar fans, animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys a light‑hearted take on environmental themes. The film’s blend of comedy, sci‑fi gadgets, and a “mission‑impossible” vibe makes it a great pick for kids and adults alike. Those who prefer darker, more serious storytelling or who aren’t fans of environmental messaging might find the tone a bit too whimsical. With its 150 million‑dollar budget and a star‑studded voice cast, Hoppers delivers a fresh, imaginative adventure that invites viewers to see the world from a beaver’s perspective.