Should you go see “Hop”?
I took my daughter over the weekend to see the new Universal Studios movie “Hop“. She loved it, as did all the other children in the theater. With it’s animation and “cuteness” the children in the theater were glued to the screen especially when they showed all the Easter candy being made. The movie is full of stars, it features James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuocu, Hank Azaria and David Hasselhoff. The animation is exceptional and fun to watch.
The story centers around: E.B., voiced by Russell Brand, the Easter Bunny’s teenage son who does not want to follow in his father’s footsteps. He leaves Easter Island to escape to L.A. to be a drummer. There he is hit by the car driven by Fred O’Hare, played by James Marsden. This is where the fun begins, or not. The movie is very slow in developing and at times you begin to wonder what is actually happening as Fred helps E.B. become a drummer and both teenage slackers dodge their fathers scrutiny.
One of the few bright and funny spots in the movie comes from long time voice actor: Hank Azaria. Since his role in the “Birdcage” he has perfected the thick Spanish accent and adds what little comic relief there is doing the voice of Carlos; the little yellow chick who stages a Coup d’etat of Easter Island. He dreams of replacing the Easter Bunny with the Easter Chick. Eventually he is foiled by E.B . and Fred O’Hare to restore order. The first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes were a lot of fun to watch, the hour in between you were just waiting for something, anything to happen.
We have become so spoiled by Disney and Pixar, movies that entertain both children and adults, that we forget sometimes that children’s movies are for children. Though the adults in the theater left bewildered, all the children clapped at the end of the movie and that is what matters.
Most reviews of this movie gave it 2 out of 4 stars and I would agree. But reviews are made by adults and not children. Your kids will give it 4 stars, so if your willing to give up an hour and a half of your life for the entertainment of your child go “Hop” to the movies this Easter.
This is a secular Easter movie, no reference is made at all to the Christian meaning of Easter. Does that bother you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Illustration: Copyright Universal Studios
Sean, and 
Kevin Fraser are discussing. 
Sean 9:25 am on April 9, 2011 Permalink |
It doesn’t. Most children, and some adults, are more likely to associate Santa and the Easter Bunny with the holiest of days in Christianity. It’s a world of commercialism we live and it is up to us as parents and our parish community to teach the true meaning of these holiest of days. Hollywood is for entertainment, not education.
My daughter understands what Easter is. She also looks forward to dying eggs and getting candy. So do I.
Kevin Fraser 2:57 pm on April 8, 2011 Permalink |
How does this film, which purports to celebrate Easter, relate to an authentic understanding of this holiest of all Christian celebrations?