My Movie Review on Hop (2011) · 3:29pm Apr 12th, 2020
Salutations, my friends.
This is your friendly film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.
Today, to celebrate Easter, I'm gonna give you guys my take of Illumination's "Hop".
Here's the summary of this Easter tale:
Fred O'Hare is a jobless main who is forced to move out of his parents' place because they want him to 'grow up'. E.B. is a talking bunny whose father wants him to eventually take his place as the Easter Bunny, but yet...E.B. desires to be a drummer.
When E.B. runs away from home in order to become a famous drummer, he and Fred cross paths and are forced to stay together at the former's insistence.
Meanwhile, the Easter factory's second-in-command, Carlos the Chick, organizes a plan to overthrow E.B.'s father and takeover Easter.
What's in store for this group of characters?
Well, the best way to know is to find out.
In all honesty, despite my interest in seeing this movie, I had very low expectations for it because of the mixed to negative reputation it had. As a matter of fact, I was expecting it to be a film that I would either rate a two or three out of five stars.
After watching it on Netflix, though...I was taken completely by surprise! It was a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be!
I mean, the only setback I couldn't help but note was that many of the jokes were rather flat in terms of execution and being funny. That, and there were parts that felt a little straightforward in some ways.
Other than that, this film was one that I found to be surprisingly underrated!
The direction by Tim Hill, the story by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, and the screenplay by them and Brian Lynch, were extremely well-done. Despite the negatives I already mentioned, there was still a wonderful sense of complexity, heart, and moral that helped the movie be intriguing and alive. Along with that, there were lots of jokes that were absolutely hysterical and fun, the part where Fred pretends he's doing a ventriloquist act with E.B. pretending to be the puppet being a particular example.
The animation used with the rabbits and chicks were impressive as well. I didn't expect much from them, but when I saw the movie, I was amazed by how well they mixed with the live action world the film took place in. Tim Hill certainly didn't push himself into making the effects groundbreakingly realistic, but that obviously wasn't the intention. In a way, the rabbits and chicks appeared to be more like real world cartoon characters, and Hill did a great job at making them that way while getting them to seem so alive and real in the process.
The music by Christopher Lennertz was enjoyable too. He certainly isn't like the top dogs of the music industry, such as John Debney and Hans Zimmer, but he incorporated terrific tunes that boosted this movie in having a sense of fun. The best of the musical elements were the use of drumming. Plus, the film's use of "We No Speak Americano" was entertaining as well.
Finally, the performances of the cast, the characters, and the character development were amazing.
Out of all of the human visible cast members, James Marsden gave perhaps the most realistic and professional performance. He gave his character of Fred O'Hare great personality and humor, and his interactions with the animated characters were accurate enough to make it seem like they were right there with him. The vocal performances of Russell Brand as E.B., Hugh Grant as the Easter Bunny, and Hank Azaria as Carlos and Phil were likewise outstanding. Brand and Azaria incorporated splendid personalities, energy, and comedic-timings into their characters, having a lot of the best and funniest lines every step of the way. Additionally, Hugh Grant's performance as E.B.'s father was lovable enough for me to favorably compare it to his work as Steve in "Arthur Christmas". To top it all off, each character I mentioned wasn't without great development.
Also, interesting fact, but Russell Brand played a minor part of a human production assistant for David Hasselhoff's "Hoff Knows Talent".
In the end, "Hop" may be flawed, but it's unexpectedly fun and worthwhile in its own way. It's original as an Easter-based film, the performers appeared to be having a good time with their material, everything.
So, I rate Illumination's "Hop" 4½ out of 5 stars.
This movie felt flat and generic to me, and completely unfunny. What molds did it break? What makes it unique?
5241058
If I recall correctly, Easter hasn’t exactly been the most explored of holidays compared to Christmas or Halloween. The premise it had was also one that I thought was unique compared to what was likely already done with Easter-based movies.
You get where I’m coming?
5241109
That's because Christmas and Halloween are more 'material' holidays and thus are expected to generate more money.
Easter is a Christian holiday that currently has more faith based meaning (although that's slipping too and Christians are for the most part complicit with the changing trend) behind it in the general public eye.
I watched this and it just wasn't that good to me. :( I get your comment that Easter isn't exactly explored, and that's something the film does is explore Easter. But it just wasn't very good. :(
5241058
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5241171
Suddenly I feel like a sore thumb for actually enjoying this movie compared to others.
5241179
Just for having different tastes?
5241192
Yes.
5241207
I don't think anyone here is judging you or thinks less of you for it.
So breathe
It's Easter Sunday
5241210
Thanks.
5241179
I didn't mean to make you feel like the odd one out. I don't judge people if they enjoy a certain movie I didn't.
5241179
You’re not alone. I actually kinda like it. Only thing I didn’t like was the jellybean poop.
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