HOP

2011, Universal Pictures

Live action with animation

Rating: PG

Approx. 94 mins.

THE STORY:

As the son of the Easter Bunny, E.B. (Russel Brand) is heir to the role. Unfortunately, he is more interested in a career as a drummer and really not suited to the job. Avoidance of his impending promotion leads him to escape Easter Island just before Easter for a more promising location: Hollywood. There he runs into Fred O'Hare (James Marsden), a gen-Y'er with no job, direction or aspirations.
   
The two form an at first uneasy alliance with Fred helping E.B. finagle an audition with star-maker David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff, and E.B. promising to leave Fred to his aimless, uncomplicated life. It isn't until Fred is kidnapped by secret service bunnies, taken back to Easter Island and dropped in the middle of a chick coup d'etat, that E.B. takes some responsibility and puts another's needs in front of his own.

In the end, both E.B. and Fred are both able to fulfill their childhood dreams and find vocations that truly make them happy: E.B. as a drummer and Fred as the first ever human Easter Bunny. 


QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• pee and poo
• sexy
• idiot
• jerk

VIOLENCE:

• some shooting of tranquilizer darts and a repeated near-miss scene with E.B. and some sharp blades-- everyone is fine, though 

TEACHING POINTS:

• be true to yourself and others will follow

THE UPSHOT:

The humour and originality made this a hit with the 5 year-old in the room as well as the adults. On a technical level it is impressive, with seamless transitions between live action and animation, and the script is crafted to satisfy viewers of all ages. But the main attraction here is the voice work and acting-- Hank Azaria and Russell Brand are particular standouts, but there really is no weak link.

Obviously, this film is particularly good as an Easter-related activity, but enjoyable any time of year. 

4/5