Dir: Daniel Chong
Cast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy, Najimy, Dave Franco, Eduardo Franco, Aparna Nancherla, Tom Law, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Meryl Street
This cute and hilarious conservationist adventure from Pixar might not top the studio’s all-time classics list, but it signals a return to form thanks to its timely themes, heartfelt warmth, and sparkling humour
Looking back, I count myself lucky to have grown up during an era when animation studios were either bursting onto the scene or basking in their golden age. Anyone my age would agree: we were truly spoiled as kids, surrounded by Disney’s nineties renaissance and the rise of studios like Aardman, Dreamworks, Blue Sky, and the magical arrival of Studio Ghibli for western audiences.
But for most millennials, Pixar was the true giant of our childhoods. Founded by Steve Jobs in the mid-80s, Pixar didn’t just make movies—they reinvented animation with their dazzling computer-generated worlds. After a few charming shorts like “Tiny Toy” (1988) and “Luxo Jr.” (1986)—the latter still bouncing along as their mascot forty years later—Pixar’s real breakthrough came in 1995 with their universally adored feature-length debut “Toy Story”. Its simple story allowed the ground-breaking visuals to captivate audiences of all ages, setting a new standard for animation that others could only aspire to. Throughout the noughties, Pixar continued to dominate both the box office and the awards circuit, leaving competitors trailing.
Yet, that golden streak has faded in recent years. Aside from sequels to beloved classics like “Toy Story”, “Inside Out”, and “The Incredibles”, Pixar has struggled to recapture the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Their recent films have grown more convoluted as they desperately search for their next hit, often alienating younger viewers. It feels like the perfect moment for Pixar to rediscover the magic of simplicity. Enter “Hoppers”, their bold 2026 contender against the likes of Sony and a rejuvenated Disney Animation. Announced by creative chief and filmmaker Pete Docter in 2023, “Hoppers” marks the directorial debut of Daniel Chong, who once storyboarded “Cars 2” (2011) and “Inside Out” (2015) before leaving the studio to create “We Bare Bears” for Cartoon Network. After returning to Pixar in 2020, Chong now takes the helm of his first feature film for them, working from a story by screenwriter Jesse Andrews.
The story centres on nineteen-year-old Mabel (Piper Curda), an animal lover who fiercely protests a new freeway threatening the forest glade where she spent her childhood with her late grandmother. Her activism puts her at odds with her college studies and frequently conflicts with the charismatic and popular mayor of Beaverton, Jerry (Jon Hamm). When her biology professor, Dr. Sam (Kathy Najimy), reveals that all the wildlife has abandoned the glade, clearing the way for construction, Mabel hatches a plan: lure the animals back by enticing a beaver to build a new dam.
While at the glade, Mabel stumbles upon a secret: Dr. Sam and her team have created a cutting-edge technology to revolutionise wildlife research. The “Hoppers” program lets humans upload their consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, enabling them to experience the world as another species. Sensing a chance to save the glade, Mabel “hops” into a robotic beaver, determined to convince the beavers and other animals to return—and to warn them about the looming threat to their home from Jerry and the humans.
I walked into my opening day screening of “Hoppers” with a healthy dose of scepticism, thanks to Pixar’s recent creative slump. Their latest high-concept films—like “Elio” (2025), “Lightyear” (2022), “Turning Red” (2022), and “Luca” (2021)—have struggled to recapture the studio’s signature magic. But to my delight, “Hoppers”, Pixar’s thirtieth feature in as many years, is their most creatively unrestrained and laugh-out-loud funny film in a long time. While the story may not reach the elegant simplicity of their classics, its premise feels comfortingly familiar. Mabel’s adventure, blending infiltration and inter-species espionage, echoes the spirit of James Cameron’s “Avatar” franchise—a comparison the film itself playfully acknowledges. This clarity in the central concept lets you settle in and soak up the film’s abundant charm and humour.
“Hoppers” might just be Pixar’s funniest film yet. While their previous twenty-nine movies have always balanced humour for all ages, this is their first true leap into all-out comedy. The rapid-fire pacing means not every joke lands, but the sheer volume ensures the next laugh is never far away. The humour made this one of my most enjoyable Pixar cinematic experiences since the original “Inside Out”, with one especially surprising moment prompting a collective gasp from the audience, swiftly followed by a wave of laughter throughout the cinema.
Another delight in “Hoppers” is its animation style, which boldly steps away from the photo-realism Pixar has favoured lately. This more cartoonish look breathes life into the forest creatures, giving them expressive faces that harken back to classic Disney hand-drawn magic. When these animals interact with humans, the contrast is striking: to people, they appear with simple, beady eyes, stripped of their vibrant personalities, yet they remain cute and even more sympathetic. “Hoppers” feels like the first Pixar film in ages to truly have its own creative voice. Its themes of deforestation, shrinking green spaces, and the need for harmony with nature are timely, yet the film’s playful spirit makes these lessons both fun and accessible for young viewers. Andrews’ snappy script and quirky humour keep things lively, ensuring the environmental message never feels heavy-handed or preachy.
“Hoppers” may not match the simplicity or brilliance of Pixar’s finest, but it stands out as one of their wildest and funniest adventures yet. At times, it even dips into surprisingly dark territory, making me question at times how it earned a U certificate here in the UK. With “Toy Story 5” looming on the horizon, I worry this charming film might get overshadowed. Yet, strong early box-office numbers and enthusiastic audience reactions suggest “Hoppers” could hold its own, maybe even outshining the fifth instalment in Pixar’s flagship franchise. Here’s hoping this marks the start of a true Pixar renaissance.
The Verdict:
Brimming with wit, irresistible charm, and timely, thought-provoking themes, Pixar’s latest animated adventure signals a triumphant comeback. With “Hoppers”, the studio not only unveils a fresh creative spirit but also delivers what might just be the most laugh-out-loud film in Pixar’s celebrated history.
Hoppers is now showing in UK Cinemas
Dan Loves Film 
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