Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Illumination Entertainment
James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins, Hugh Laurie, Tiffany Espensen, David Hasselhoff, Chelsea Handler
Hop is a delightful mix of animation and live action in the story of the Easter Bunny. E.B. (Russell Brand) is a teen-aged rabbit who has always dreamed of being a rock drummer. E.B.’s Dad (Hugh Laurie) doesn’t respect his son’s dreams and assumes he is ready to take over the job of delivering Easter baskets and hiding eggs and taking over the family business. E.B. runs away and heads for Hollywood to try to follow his dream. Meanwhile Fred O’Hare (James Marsden) is a screw up son and a disappointment to his family. He lives at home and the family decides to have an intervention at dinner where they kick him out of the “nest” and send him off on his own. Well, naturally he runs into E.B., literally (with his car) and while trying to nurture the poor little bunny, E.B. takes full advantage of him and their lives are intertwined forever.
Ok, so this is not an original story, but what is these days? What is wonderful about this film is the sets and the vision of Easter Island juxtaposed with Hollywood and Beverly Hills. One view into the Easter candy factory reminds us of the original Willy Wonka only (if possible) even more beautiful. The sleigh that carries the Easter Bunny around is inspired! The chicks are hilarious. Russell Brand is outstanding in this movie, even throwing in a cameo which is pretty funny. James Marsden gives us the right mix of angst and failure vs. wonder and childhood fascination. The mix of animation and live action has not been done this well since “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” I was blown away with this story, and finally there is a tale of the Easter Bunny that is worthy!
Some people may be turned off by the similarity to other films, but I found this to be extremely surprising and fresh. This is what I had hoped “Alvin and the Chipmunks” would have been, but wasn’t. I found the other characters very well cast as well. Hank Azaria as Carlos the evil chick who wants to become the Easter Chick is a hysterical villain. Kaley Cuoco as Sam O’Hare (knock, knock, knock, “Penny”, “Penny”, “Penny”) is delightful as Fred’s sister Sam, who tries to help him all the way, even when he screws up. All in all it was a delightful film, and it was wonderful to hear the kids laughing out loud a number of times at the antics on the screen. I really wish I had gone early enough to see the 3D version, as it must have added a lot to the film, especially at the candy factory. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and it was an excellent film for families. Outstanding job! I highly recommend this one!
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
Movie Review - Hop (2011) {PG},
