Hoppers is the latest animated film from Disney Pixar that follows a determined environmentalist named Mabel mentally inhabiting the body of a robotic beaver to save a forest glade from the construction of a highway. If you think that premise sounds bonkers, just wait until you see the actual film. Nothing can prepare you for the absolute insanity that ensues during this film’s runtime, but I absolutely loved every single minute of it. As per usual when it comes to Pixar, the animation is incredible, the characters are endearing, and the emotional center of the film pertaining to Mabel and her grandmother’s shared love of nature is sure to pull at some heartstrings. However, what made this particular Pixar film different is how unapologetically wacky it was. I could tell that this is probably some of the most fun Pixar had making a film. Between the witty dialogue and the well-written comedic gags, whether involving the science behind these bionic animals or the hierarchy of the nature world itself, the film fully leaned into its premise and took full advantage of its animation style without ever losing its heart or its emotional resonance related to the film’s themes of environmentalism and community. The audience I saw this movie with went from laughing out loud to fighting back tears, which is exactly the roller coaster this film takes you on. Not to mention the fantastic voice performances from the cast. It’s best to go into this movie as blind as possible. The trailers did not do this fantastic movie justice and it is definitely one of Pixar’s best. Score: 9/10
Noah Robinson 