Warning Major Spoilers Ahead:
I, like many others, had been eagerly anticipating the release of the new animated sci-fi comedy, Hoppers, because of the viral sensation of Tom the Lizard. Voiced by Tom Law, this goofy little lizard had me giggling over my phone screen. Previously to watching, I did not see trailers or promotions for this upcoming movie, just the circulating online memes over this hilarious, slightly delirious and yet oddly relatable, lizard. Due to the overexposure of Tom the Lizard, I thought he would have more of a central role in this movie. I was disappointed to find out he just appeared occasionally for comedic relief.
The story begins, as many Disney and Pixar movies start—with emotional damage. The movie introduces the heartfelt relationship between a grandmother and a young animal enthusiast Mabel, who share a bond over their love of a local forest glade. The storyline lulls you into a false sense of security before the plot becomes one of the most unhinged storylines I have ever seen Disney produce. This film twisted into what can be described as a chaotic fever dream (or more appropriately, a “beaver dream”).
Mabel, voiced by Piper Curda, finds technology that her professor created allowing humans to “hop” their consciousness into lifelike animal bodies. Naturally, Mable hops her consciousness into a lifelike beaver; not a majestic eagle or lion (Disney really was like rodent representation matters and honestly, I didn’t hate it).
Mabel makes friends with an actual beaver, King George, voiced by Bobby Moynihan. She asks for his help to restore the forest glade. King George agrees to help, and they decide to call for back up from the other animal kingdom kings and queens including the: Insect Queen, Bird Queen, Fish Queen, Reptile Queens and Amphibian King. This is when the story line starts scattering and becomes a bit confusing, while sticking to the main goal of saving this forest glade from destruction for a new highway appointed by the town’s mayor, who goes from the main villain to a victim of animal revenge….
During this discussion with the kings and queens, Mabel “accidentally” smushes the Insect Queen, a butterfly, by clapping her hands during a frustrating conversation over whether all the animals/insects should help them save the forest glade.
Yes, we all know Disney is notorious for killing off family members early in the movie. We’ve got Nemo’s mom from Finding Nemo… dead. In Big Hero 6, Hiro’s brother Tadashi… dead. Bambi—Bambi’s mother? You guessed it: dead. Mufasa in The Lion King? Also, dead.
And now Mabel casually smushes the butterfly queen the way the Voodoo Man smushed Ray in The Princess and the Frog, with absolutely no remorse. It was hilarious, but also completely diabolical. And honestly, for a kids’ movie, I wasn’t expecting to question whether Disney is subtly promoting insect abuse… but that’s a conversation for another day.
Overall, this movie has twisted humor and turns, but that is what’s part of its charm. The plot was very Disney, with the death of the grandma being the ambition which drives Marbel. One thing different than most Pixar and Disney formulas, is that the humor takes a darker turn and once you watch the movie, you will truly understand why I use the word “unhinged” the most to describe it. The storyline feels oddly reflective of real-world issues, just with significantly more talking animals and dramatically higher stakes for insects. If anything, Hoppers suggests that if animals were in charge, things might turn out a little more harmonious… or at least more entertaining.
There appears to be a clear (though entirely unscientific) correlation between internalizing the moral lessons of Disney films and the potential for a more empathetic, environmentally conscious society. I think if audiences took even half of these messages more seriously; respecting nature, valuing community, and perhaps refraining from smushing butterflies, the world might, just might, be a better place.
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