Written by Katie Swann
Easter is just around the corner and if the pastel colors washing over just about everything and the Easter egg hunts aren’t enough of a hint, the film industry is always there to clue you in. Universal Studios, in correspondence with Illumination Entertainment, has chosen to celebrate the holiday by releasing HOP, an animated feature film about how a human being became the Easter bunny.
The story begins with a typical father-son conflict; the father Easter bunny wants to pass his role on to his son, E.B., who only wants to be a drummer, while in the human world, main character Fred O’Hare’s father is disappointed in his son for not being as successful as he had hoped. When E.B. runs away from home to avoid the responsibility, the two meet and form a friendship learning from one another how to confront their father problems.
Meanwhile, the Easter chicks who run things behind the scenes in the Easter realm on “Easter Island” decide it’s time to take over the holiday for themselves in the future Easter Bunny’s absence. Led by the Mexican American influenced chick, Carlos, the chicks cause mayhem on Easter Island, prompting the return of E.B. and his new friend Fred to regain control of Easter.
HOP would be a great choice for a festive, family film. The humor and plot line are very cheesy but it works for the audience intended. I would recommend this movie to parents and their children; it’s probably not something your date would enjoy. The lack of a love story was refreshing considering almost every movie ever has one. Overall, the story was cute and lighthearted, but probably not something people will be talking about next year.
The film features actor James Marsden as lead character Fred O’Hare. Russell Brand, Hank Azaria and Hugh Laurie appear as the voices of E.B., Carlos and E.B.’s dad, the current Easter bunny, respectively.
HOP is still showing in theatres and will probably remain there at least through the Easter season. The soundtrack is expected to be released April 19, 2011.
