Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Delightful animal activism tale has creepy scenes, scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hoppers
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is visually stimulating with engaging characters and positive messages about nature and community; however, many express concerns about its frightening last act, which includes intense scenes that could be disturbing for younger viewers. While some found it humorous and well-animated, others criticized its dark themes and inappropriate content for children, urging caution about its suitability for a young audience.
- scary content
- intense scenes
- positive messages
- mixed reviews
- not for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this movie features compelling themes around environmental protection and the importance of respecting nature, yet it also contains intense and frightening moments that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While the animation and humor are praised, some scenes, like those depicting graphic violence and the unsettling transformation of characters, have raised concerns among parents and viewers regarding its appropriateness for children.
- environmental themes
- humor and fun
- intense moments
- potential for fright
- family viewing suitable
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOPPERS, nature-loving college student Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda) protests the proposal by popular mayor Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm) to build a beltway over what used to be a forest glade full of wildlife. Mayor Jerry insists that there are no animals left in the glade, but says he'll reconsider if Mabel can gather petition signatures or prove him wrong. Determined to save the habitat she once explored with her late grandmother, Mabel turns to her biology professor, Dr. Sam Fairfax (Kathy Najimy), and discovers the professor's secret lab, where scientists can temporarily transfer human consciousness into 3D-printed animal robots that can communicate with real animals. Acting impulsively, Mabel "hops" into a beaver robot to try to find a real beaver (a keystone species) and restore the dam that once supported the glade's ecosystem. As the robotic beaver, she meets energetic beaver leader King George (Bobby Moynihan) and convinces him to help save the habitat, while Dr. Fairfax and her small research team scramble to locate the robot and return Mabel to her body.
Is It Any Good?
This charming, original Pixar film is all about fighting for what you believe in and protecting the animals that share our communities. Hoppers' quirky trailer undersells how entertaining the movie is for elementary school-age kids and adults. The premise is reminiscent of Avatar, but within the existing Earth animal kingdom instead of a resource-rich alien planet. Mabel's character development is particularly impactful as she comes to terms with her grief and how it affects her daily life. The funniest moments happen when Mabel is in beaver form, especially after the animal kingdom council sequence sends the story into a chaotic, occasionally hilarious (but also intense) third act. One laugh-out-loud scene features Diane (Vanessa Bayer), a shark who's attempting to fulfill her "apex predator" duties for the animal community.
Moynihan deserves a shout-out for his performance as the upbeat beaver king George, as does the late Isiah Whitlock in a supporting turn as the bird king, whose inimitable bass voice is instantly recognizable. While the screenplay by director Daniel Chong and Jesse Andrews avoids feeling preachy, Hoppers, like WALL-E and The Lorax, has an unabashedly environmentalist message and joins Hoot as a story about how young activists can effect change. And Mabel is a delight: She's impulsive and sometimes reckless but also guided by a big heart as she learns more about herself and her neighbors, both animal and human.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in Hoppers. What does Mabel's story teach viewers about the importance of conservation and environmental protection? Is her approach to those issues the same one you'd use? Why, or why not?
How does the movie depict the relationship between humans and animals? How accurate do you think it is in terms of portraying animal behavior? Which parts seem realistic, and which are more likely exaggerated or made up for the story?
Do you consider any of the human or animal characters to be role models? What character strengths do they demonstrate?
How does Mabel's personal history with the glade—including her loss—affect her perspective on what's happening there? How do our emotions impact our actions?
What are some ways that families or communities can help protect animals and the environment?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 6, 2026
- Cast : Piper Curda , Bobby Moynihan , Jon Hamm
- Director : Daniel Chong
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights ) , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship , Robots , STEM ( Nature )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril, some scary images and mild language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 1, 2026
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