Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Amusing animal adventure is full of slapstick hijinks.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
HITPIG!
What's the Story?
HITPIG!—inspired by cartoonist Berkeley Breathed's book Pete & Pickles—follows Hitpig (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), a rescue pig who grew up assisting his owner, pet bounty hunter Bertha (Lorraine Ashbourne), track down missing and escaped animals. After Bertha's untimely death, Hitpig takes over the business, traveling worldwide to retrieve animals for a fee. But his work doesn't go unnoticed: Brazilian animal rights activist Leticia (Anitta) believes that Hitpig is harming animals by allowing them to go back into captivity and tries to interfere, especially after Hitpig is hired by eccentric circus owner the Leaping Lord of the Leotard (Rainn Wilson) to find his lost dancing elephant, Pickles (Lilly Singh), who dreams of returning to her homeland in India. What will happen when Hitpig and Pickles form an unexpected friendship?
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining, original, slapstick-filled adventure—which is elevated by Sudeikis' comedic voice performance—is a treat for both kids and parents. HITPIG!'s fresh concept, zany animals (like the polecat with radioactive farts who's voiced by RuPaul), and the sweet friendship between the adorably trusting Pickles and the cynical, worldly Hitpig all add to the movie's charm. Sudeikis' snarky delivery is a perfect counterpoint to Singh's gentle tones, while Hannah Gadsby and Wilson are well-cast as a disgruntled koala who's unwilling to return to a petting zoo and the hilariously inept circus owner who's exploiting Pickles and her fellow show animals. Brazilian performer Anitta also stands out as Hitpig's rival, Leticia.
With its quick pace and under-90-minute run time, HITPIG! will keep younger viewers engaged, and its commitment to pig puns and fart jokes will make them laugh. There's also plenty of humor for adults, from sight gags like a nun getting kicked out of a bar to punny AI commentary by Hitpig's computer. Although the movie's emotional depth doesn't quite reach the level of, say, The Wild Robot, this is a fun comic adventure with valuable messages about found family, pursuing your passion, and animal freedom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the physical comedy and comic violence in HITPIG! How does the humor help make the peril and action more appropriate for younger audiences?
Which characters do you consider role models? Who demonstrates positive character strengths?
Why do you think talking animal movies tend to be appealing to kids and families? What are some of your favorites?
What does Hitpig learn from his adventure with Pickles? What changes his mind about his occupation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2024
- Cast : Jason Sudeikis , Lilly Singh , Rainn Wilson
- Directors : Cinzia Angelini , David Feiss
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Viva Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril, rude humor and some thematic elements
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 28, 2026
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