Austin Burke

Hoppers (2026) Quick Review

The video is a quick review of Pixar‑style animated feature Hoppers, slated for release this weekend. The film follows 19‑year‑old Mabel, an animal‑loving teen who uses avatar‑like tech to inhabit a robotic beaver, setting up a whimsical premise that the reviewer compares to classic Pixar concepts. The critic praises the animation’s visual polish, noting it approaches Pixar’s standards, but points out uneven pacing—fast‑paced opening that settles in the second half. Humor is described as hit‑or‑miss, resonating more with children, while the emotional stakes never quite reach the heights of films like Coco or Wall‑E. Standout moments include Bobby Moahan’s turn as King George, called “one of the most lovable characters of the year,” and a series of animal‑centric jokes involving a lizard and a turtle. The reviewer also mentions Mabel’s reckless decisions and a near‑miss emotional scene that feels short‑changed. Overall, Hoppers is positioned as a family‑friendly outing that will likely attract kids but may fall short of the benchmark set by Pixar’s legacy, suggesting modest box‑office expectations and highlighting the challenge for new studios to match established animation giants.