Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Silly animated/live-action Easter romp; peril, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hop
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 65 parent reviews
Based on 89 kid reviews
Kids say this movie has a mix of humorous and inappropriate elements, leaving some parents concerned about its suitability for younger audiences. While many find it enjoyable for family viewing, particularly during Easter, others criticize it for featuring questionable references and a lack of engaging content, often labeling the humor as boring or targeted at older demographics.
- fun for families
- mixed reviews
- inappropriate elements
- targeted humor
- audience suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOP, the Easter Bunny (voiced by Hugh Laurie) lives on Easter Island, preparing for another year's trip around the world to deliver baskets full of treats. He's preparing his son, E.B. (Russell Brand), to succeed him, but E.B. isn't interested in taking over for his father—he wants to be a drummer. Afraid of his father's expectations, E.B. takes a rabbit hole trip to Hollywood, where he hopes to make it big as a rock musician. Instead, he almost gets run over by Fred (James Marsden), an aimless twentysomething whose parents would really like him to move out and get a job. Fred can't believe his eyes (and ears) when E.B. starts talking to him, and the two of them end up becoming unlikely friends who help each other save Easter—and find how to turn their passions into their purpose.
Is It Any Good?
This generic holiday movie more or less swaps in a bunny for good ol' St. Nick. But Hop's director, Tim Hill is a kids' flick veteran. After Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties and Alvin and the Chipmunks, he's also somewhat of an "expert" at comedies that feature both live-action and computer-animated creatures. It's a shame that most movies that try that mix (Yogi Bear, Marmaduke) are just plain awful—but, in a way, Hop benefits from this low bar. It's unquestionably better than the atrocious Yogi and passably better than Marmaduke, but that's not saying much.
Marsden is talented, but it's a tad ludicrous that he was cast as Fred, since the dashing 37-year-old in no way looks like an early-to-mid-20s slacker. Miscasting aside, the movie manages to be amusing enough thanks to Marsden's rapport with Brand, who raises his voice to sound a bit younger as the rock-loving adolescent bunny. Special mention should also go to the scene-stealing talent of Hank Azaria, who plays Carlos the Chick, though the Spanish-inspired character's stereotypical villainy—along with a clichéd scene set in China and a "sassy Black woman"—exposes the film's DNA as an undercooked, if mostly fine, grab for repeated holiday viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hop's messages. Why is it important to pursue your dreams? What if you don't succeed? What if people don't believe in you?
What does the movie say about father-son relationships? Do you think parents should support their kids' job choices and dreams no matter what? Which father did a better job of understanding his son's goals, E.B.'s or Fred's?
For viewers who celebrate Easter, how do the movie's themes compare with your family's ideas and traditions surrounding the holiday?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 1, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : March 20, 2012
- Cast : Hank Azaria , James Marsden , Kaley Cuoco , Russell Brand
- Director : Tim Hill
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Holidays ( Easter ) , Animals ( Farm Animals )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild rude humor
- Last updated : June 27, 2026
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