Film, like Easter candy, sweet but not much nutrition to be found

gregeichelberger

While not the best blending of state-of-the-art animation and live action (that title is still held by "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"), the newest release by Illumination Entertainment, "Hop," is nevertheless light years ahead of such efforts as the Chipmunks, Scooby-Doo and Garfield franchises.

Illumination is also the studio that produced last summer's wildly successful "Despicable Me," but don't expect "Hop," a cross between "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "The Santa Clause," to surpass that film in either critical reviews or in box office receipts. Still, it's not a bad salute to one of the world's least honored holiday mascots - unless, of course, you count whatever represents Father's Day.

Directed by Tim Hill (already handicapped by being involved with "Alvin" and "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties") and written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (screenwriters for "Despicable Me" and "Horton Hears a Who"), the film features two slackers from opposites sides of the world who eventually meet in an effort to save Easter.

James Marsden ("Superman Returns," "Enchanted," the "X-Men" series) is Fred O'Hare (get it?), a nonworking, non-motivated soul whose father (Gary Cole, "Office Space," "Fatal Vision") stages a dinner table intervention to force him into employment.

Meanwhile, on Easter Island, the Easter Bunny (voiced by Hugh Laurie, "House") is the proud papa of E.B. (Russell Brand, "Get Him To the Greek," the much UNanticipated remake of "Arthur"), and is ready to turn over the egg scepter to his son. Unfortunately, all E.B. wants to do is play the drums and wants no part of the holiday scene.

Conveniently, the two meet while Fred is house-sitting a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. From there, the story hops along swiftly as E.B. wrecks the house, spoils Fred's chance to get a mail-room job and even gets a rehearsal for a David Hasselhoff television talent program. He also is overtly adorable and has a rather unique way - uh - of going to the bathroom.

On the island, a frantic dad has sent out a special force (the Pink Berets) to track his kid down as Easter is only a week away. Taking advantage of this situation is Carlos (Hank Azaria, "Love and Other Drugs," "Year One," the voice of several "Simpsons'" characters), a type-A marshmallow peep chicken and second in command, who dreams of being the head rabbit in charge.

Will E.B. see the light and go back to Easter Island or pursue his career as the world's only four-legged drummer? Will Carlos and the chicks take over? Will the holiday be saved? Will Fred find a job? Who knows. All this humble writer can relate is the film is appropriately family-friendly as well as most inoffensive in its short 95-minute running time. There's also no lofty and confusing "Chinatown" plots running around and no swear words to speak of, anyway.

In other words, it's a film most can enjoy for a little while and then be mostly forgotten before the next movie cycle begins. There's not a lot to offer here, but like the holiday treats we get in our baskets, its enough for now.

score 5/10

gregeichelberger 2 April 2011

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2407776/