KidVid: Hop (2011) Is Strictly for the Easter Bunny Set
If you need something to put in a kid’s Easter Basket besides candy, then Hop, now on Blu-ray/DVD/digital download, might be a great idea. This story of the heir-to-the-Easter-Bunny-throne (with rock and roll drummer aspirations) who flees Easter Island for Hollywood and meets a terminally unemployed underachiever can be best appreciated by the unsophisticated. While I wouldn’t recommend Hop to teenagers and adults (although it will find fans among those groups), it seems a fitting Easter gift that would go well with Marshmallow Peeps and jelly beans.
Hop blends CGI animation and live action in an uneasy mix that doesn’t always work. It stars James Marsden (as Fred, the underachiever), and Russell Brand (as the voice of Easter-bunny-to-be E.B.). Also appearing or contributing voice talent are Hank Azaria, Kaley Cuoco, Hugh Laurie, Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins, and David Hasselhoff. Entirely formulaic, Hop in no way challenges its audience, although younger children will enjoy the animation.
According to Pete Hammond (BOXOFFICE), as quoted on Hop packaging, “The laughs don’t stop in this movie treat for all ages!” I’ve got to agree, but not because Hop is hilariously funny. I didn’t stop laughing because I never started. As for “all ages”…maybe if we’re discussing geological eras…
Buyers who opt for the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will also get an “all-new, never-before-seen, music-filled mini-movie, bonus features and interactive games, a digital copy of the film, and an UltraVIolet copy that allows consumers to “enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.” Hop is also available on a single DVD and in a DVD + Digital Copy combo pack.
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