Just in time for the Easter holiday, Universal Studios’ Hop is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. The movie tells the story of how young E.B. (presumably short for ‘Easter Bunny’) is the reluctant heir to the Easter Bunny legacy and all the responsibilities that come with it. His home is the aptly named Easter Island, home to mysterious statues and a magical place where holiday candy is lovingly made and quality controlled. There are jelly beans, peeps, and my personal favorite—chocolate bunnies. (For the record, I like the hollow milk chocolate ones by Palmer with those colored candy eyes). This candy facility would put Willy Wonka’s to shame, and the animation in these sequences is incredible. Plus, the cuteness of a young E.B. makes me want him as a huggable plushie. In fact, one of the best scenes of the movie is when he pretends to be a wind-up toy. His appearance just screams cuddly.
However, our fluffy hero is rebellious and has no desire to follow in his father’s rabbity footsteps. His dream is to become a drummer instead, and he flees to Hollywood in hopes of making it a reality. Once there, he meets Fred (James Marsden). Fred is unemployed, a burden to his parents, and searching for his own dream. They immediately form a love-hate relationship.
It’s unsurprising that this movie blends CGI and live action, since it’s directed by Tim Hill (Alvin and the Chipmunks), but I much preferred the wondrous computerized world of Easter Island over the live action Hollywood. The chicks Carlos and Phil dwell alongside the bunnies on Easter Island, making it even more appealing. These guys really should have had more screen time. I foresee seeing more of them in the future. Phil (pictured below) is the not-too-bright subordinate of Carlos, who is monitoring the disappearance of E.B. very closely. He uses the situation to his advantage and tries to get closer to E.B.’s distraught father.
The appearance by David Hasselhoff didn’t really thrill me, but this movie is really very cute in spite of that. Warning, though. It is also very cheesy at times, and Marsden’s acting is a little over the top. Still, it’s a film about not giving up on your dreams and the importance of loved ones, and I’m sure it will become a holiday tradition in many families.