While younger kids will probably enjoy the bright colors, cute characters, and loads of candy Hop has to offer, older kids and adults will likely be bored by the recycled jokes, setups and pratfalls. An animated/live action mashup, the film tells the story of E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand). When he was a young hare, E.B. couldn’t wait to be the next the next Easter Bunny, watching as his dad (Hugh Laurie) ran the Easter Island facility with the help of his head baby chick, Carlos (Hank Azaria). Fast forward some twenty years, and EB has no interest in candy or his predetermined destiny.
With Easter approaching, E.B. decides to run away to Hollywood in order to pursue his dream of becoming a rock drummer. Arriving in California, E.B. attempts to find a home. At first he tries the Playboy Mansion (he’s a bunny, after all!) but is rejected. He then stumbles upon fellow underachiever Fred O’Hare (James Marsden), whose life took an odd turn when he spotted the Easter Bunny in his backyard as a boy. Lazy and none-too-smart, Fred has no real aspirations, other than a need to make his father (Gary Cole), proud. At first, Fred believes that E.B. is nothing more than a hallucination, brought on by the pressure Fred is feeling to grow up. Eventually though, Fred learns the true story; E.B. is supposed to take over Easter Bunny duties from his father this year but his real dream is to be a rock drummer. Given Fred’s strong feelings about the Easter Bunny since childhood, these revelations lead to the start of an unlikely friendship.
Meanwhile, E.B.’s frantic father begins a desperate search for his son with the help of an elite band of bunnies, the Pink Berets. Unfortunately, the search distracts Mr. Bunny from the coup d’etat being plotted by Carlos; his once-loyal Easter chicks (think Santa’s elves). Can E.B. save Easter? Will E.B. find happiness? Will Fred find a way to make his father proud? The answers here are pretty obvious. While Hop is harmless puffery, it must be said, there really isn’t much to engage viewers. There’s nothing new here, and truth be told, James Marsden doesn’t look like he’s having much fun. I suppose Russell Brand did what he could with the material, but his characterization of E.B. lacks any real enthusiasm. Gary Cole, Kaley Cuoco (as Fred’s sister), are largely wasted here, while a puffy, hung over David Hasselhoff appears in a cameo as himself.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Universal’s 1080p transfer doesn’t hold up to the best animated features out there, due to noise and digital compression issues. Color though, is outstanding throughout, with bold brights and even darks. Detail is also appropriately measured.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track serves the film very well. The dialogue is clear, and the music strong. The surround speakers are given plenty of involvement throughout. Sound effects are given some heft, though some directionality is lacking. LFE is a big part of the mix, helping pad out the overall soundfield.
English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are available.
Along with a DVD and UV Digital Copy, the following special features are included:
- U-Control Features: Two U-Control options are available, although neither involves a behind-the-scenes PiP experience. “Hop Tweets” finds E.B. tweeting messages on-screen and the “Pink Beret Tracker” notes the various locations featured in the film via a pop-up GPS-enabled cell phone.
- The World of Hop (HD, 9 minutes): Six mini-featurettes touch on the characters and locales featured in Hop. Segments include “The Candy Factory,” “E.B.,” “Fred,” “The Easter Bunny,” “Carlos and Phil” and “Sam.”
- Phil’s Dance Party (HD, 3 minutes): In an “All-New Mini-Movie” join Phil in “what critics are calling the single greatest dance party of all time.”
- All Access with Cody Simpson (HD, 2 minutes): A two-minute making-of-the-song, complete with Cody Simpson attending a screening of the film. Whatever.
- Russell Brand: Being the Bunny (HD, 1 minute): Russell Brand talks about the cartoons, movies and childhood experiences that made him the perfect person to play E.B.
- Russell Brand’s Kid Crack Ups (HD, 3 minutes): Brand quizzes kids about the film.
- Carlos on Carlos: The Premiere According to Carlos (HD, 4 minutes): Carlos reports from Hop‘s red carpet.
- Emotion in Motion: The Dance of Ken Daurio (HD, 3 minutes): Phil’s choreographer discusses his craft.
- Post Coup Commentary: Carlos & Phil Tell All (HD, 3 minutes): Carlos and Phil talk about their roles in the film.
- Games (HD): Three mildly entertaining games: “Drum Along,” “Pink Beret Skill Tester” and “E.B.’s Candy Challenge.”
