I love it when a film surprises us and turns out to be something more than what it was sold as. In this case Hoppers appears from the trailers and marketing to be a film about a young woman being "transformed" (the how and why don't matter) into a beaver and interacting with the adorable woodland creatures of the glade. But it ends up being about so much more. This is a complex and nuanced lesson on world peace that is so effectively and entertainingly told that both the young and old alike can understand it. And it's all wrapped up in a wonderfully funny and moving story.
I'll say first that Hoppers is one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. Its humour is organic and very joyful. This isn't biting satire, it is about finding the sort of exuberance that leads to honest, heartfelt laughter. It is also the sort of humour that transcends age. Both kids and adults will find it hilarious.
And the film tells a truly engaging adventure story. There are real stakes (in fact some of the youngest audience members might be disturbed by some of the events) and real characters and there is edge of your seat action. Hoppers is for sure an entertaining film.
But the genius here is how they work into the story a quite profound exploration of the interconnectedness of civilization and how to resolve conflict in pluralistic societies. I used the phrase "world peace" as an oversimplification earlier. What truly impressed me was how intelligent and sincere the film's attempt to wrestle with complex political issues is. And, as I said, it is done it a way that the younger audiences who watch it can understand and internalize it while also speaking to the adult in the room. Hoppers is quite a remarkable achievement.
Fun movie? Check! Will keep you guessing and laughing? Check! Has something interesting and intelligent to say? Double check! Hoppers is a real winner.
Hoppers
Starring: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, Eduardo Franco, Sam Richardson, Meryl Streep
Director: Daniel Chong
Writer: Jesse Andrews
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