Pixar’s “Hoppers” Debuts to Rave Reviews, Achieving Best Rotten Tomatoes Score in Nearly Nine Years with 97%

Pixar Animation Studios’ latest original feature, “Hoppers,” is set to hit North American theaters on March 6, and the first wave of media reviews has been exceptionally positive. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, based on 69 critical reviews, “Hoppers” holds a fresh rating of 97%. This impressive score not only places it alongside Pixar classics like “Coco” and “The Incredibles” but also marks the studio’s best critical debut since 2017’s “Coco.”

Critics Applaud: “Weird, Funny, Warm – Pixar Returns to Peak Form”

Directed by Daniel Chong, a Pixar veteran and creator of the popular animated series “We Bare Bears,” and written by Jesse Andrews, who penned “Luca,” “Hoppers” follows 19-year-old animal lover Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda). Using advanced technology, she “hops” her consciousness into the body of a robotic beaver. When a greedy developer plans to build a highway through the forest, Mabel teams up with her animal friends in a hilarious battle to save their home.

Numerous major outlets have given high praise. Owen Gleiberman of Variety wrote, “It’s top-drawer Pixar, a reminder that when this studio is firing on all cylinders, it will take you places you’ve never imagined.” David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter stated simply, “Pixar returns to vintage form with Hoppers.”

Wilson Chapman of IndieWire called it “Pixar’s freshest, funniest movie in years… its best new release in a solid decade.” William Bibbiani of TheWrap hailed it as “the best Pixar movie since Coco,” adding, “Hoppers is such a funny, clever, kind, playfully dark, and wonderfully weird film.”

A Distinctive Style: “Wild, Subversive, and Almost Anarchic Narrative Logic”

Critics widely agree that “Hoppers” represents a bold stylistic departure. Many reviews note that director Daniel Chong has infused the Pixar universe with the signature lively, absurdist humor of “We Bare Bears.” Ross Bonaime of Collider noted, “This will absolutely be a delight for We Bare Bears fans, as the vibe and animation style often can’t help but remind one of Chong’s show.”

The film’s narrative is also seen as highly unpredictable. Variety praised its ability to “never stops surprising you in rudely antic ways, and that’s the essence of its delight.” The Hollywood Reporter observed, “This is not a movie that feels fine-tuned to death in studio meetings. There’s a crazy, almost anarchic narrative logic that keeps it zigging and zagging unpredictably.”

More Than Just ‘Avatar’ – A Unique Pixar Take on Environmental Themes

The premise of a human consciousness transferred into an animal to combat environmental destruction drew comparisons to “Avatar” from several critics. However, reviewers feel “Hoppers” handles this cleverly. BJ Colangelo of Slashfilm wrote, “Pitting industrial expansion against the natural ecosystems it threatens to displace, the film is a riff on Avatar by way of Pom Poko… it also shares the sci-fi film series’ heart in delivering a pro-environmentalist message.” TheWrap’s Bibbiani even joked, “Hoppers isn’t just James Cameron’s Avatar if it had feelings, it’s also James Cameron’s Avatar if it was good.”

Beyond the humor and absurdity, the film’s core themes of environmentalism and empathy have been widely recognized. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter stated, “It teaches kids to respect and understand nature, get involved in the community, and protect the vulnerable.” BJ Colangelo of Slashfilm wrote, “For anyone feeling politically winded or spiritually demoralized, the film offers something dangerously powerful: hope that doesn’t apologize for existing.”

Voice Cast and Animation: Star Power and Visual Breakthroughs

The voice cast is also star-studded. Besides lead Piper Curda, performances by Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, and Dave Franco have been particularly highlighted. Multiple critics noted that Moynihan’s performance “stands out,” Jon Hamm plays a suitably “punchable” politician, and the mid-film arrival of Dave Franco “steals the show.”

On the animation front, “Hoppers” is seen as a “refresh” for Pixar’s visual style. Wilson Chapman of IndieWire commented, “Pixar’s animation style, which has veered toward the gorgeous but generic in recent years, gets a refresh here.” Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky pointed out a specific detail: “I truly love how the animation style of the animals changes once Mabel is one of them. That treatment is fantastic.”

A Shot in the Arm for Pixar’s Originality

Following the box office disappointment of “Lightyear” and the commercial underperformance of “Elio,” the strong critical reception for “Hoppers” undoubtedly provides a significant boost to Pixar. Multiple outlets predict the film, with its relatively controllable budget as an original title, could open strongly in the $40-50 million range, signaling that audience appetite for Pixar’s original stories remains high.

“Hoppers” open in North American theaters on March 6. Later this year, the highly anticipated “Toy Story 5” is scheduled for release in June, followed by another original film, “Gatto,” planned for 2027. Pixar’s future appears to be entering a new phase balancing original creations with established franchises.