What a pleasure it is to say Pixar’s entertaining new movie, Hoppers, is so much fun to watch. I went to watch the film on my own dime, not as an advance screening, and found it to be great to watch in the theater. The themes and the humor are worth the price of admission.
Directed by Daniel Chong from a script by Jesse Andrews, this story of a young lady who loves the environment, animals, and has pledged to her grandmother to take care of the area, was totally engaging. I was at a late evening screening and missed hearing children in the theater as I have done before. I missed their reactions to the animals and the humor. I found myself having a couple of “laugh out loud” moments, feeling comfortable that I did not disturb others while I enjoyed the humor.
Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda) is a 19-year-old college student who has been aware of the environment since she was a child in the suburban town of Beaverton. Mabel loves animals – more so than people who don’t understand her love of both. She learned so much from her grandmother, inheriting a love of nature from visiting a forest glade.
As a college student, she finds the town’s popular mayor, Jerry (voiced by Jon Hamm) is developing a highway through the beloved area. She is determined not to have this proceed and the audience will enjoy the story that takes us on Mabel’s adventure and activism.
Mabel finds out about a project run by her college biology professor, Dr. Sam (voiced by Kathy Najimy). She thinks this project is a good way to help her fight against the highway and against Dr. Sam’s wishes, Mabel escapes to see what she can achieve.
It is hard not to say too much that might spoil it for anyone, especially for adults who are sure to hear some funny dialogue that might just make them smile.
The film is in theaters as of March 6, 2026.
Source: Disney