'Hop' is a film that children will surely enjoy. The candy factory is more cheerful and in some aspects even more spectacular than Willy Wonka's, which was ominous. The Easter Bunny (Hugh Laurie) is a kindly gentleman rabbit who is eager to pass on his duties to his son (no child abuse in this candy factory), E B (Russell Brand). But there's a problem in this holiday workshop -- E B would rather be a rock drummer than the bringer of joy in the form of sweets to children 'round much of the world.
This film is even more bereft of any religious connotation to the Easter holiday than Santa Claus movies are to the original meaning of Christmas -- something to do with the life and death of Jesus. No matter. Here, we're going back to the original pagan pleasure principle of fertility and partying -- eggs and sweets. Seems E B has a better understanding of the holiday than his father. He leaves the underground sweets factory in Easter Island and goes to Hollywood to gratify his desires -- rock 'n roll. And to help him in his quest, he recruits Fred O'Hare (get the pun?) (James Marsden) who is the perfect sidekick to talking, computer-generated creatures, much as Dave (Jason Lee) is to the Chipmunks (Alvin and the Chipmunks - 2007), which coincidentally was directed by 'Hop' director Tim Hill. Both Dave, companion to chipmunks, and Fred, bunny pal, learn many life lessons along the way, most a little too subtle for children to pick up on. In 'Hop,' fatherly love and acceptance is one for the parents in the audience to heed.
Along the way, the pink beret ninja bunnies try to apprehend the errant rabbit, there's an audition for David Hasselhoff, a coup d'etat takes place back on Easter Island, and eventually aimless, jobless Fred finds his true calling. The details of each of these adventures and the interplay of all the characters bring these computer generated souls, plus Fred, to life with exuberance and joy.
Hop
Director: Tim Hill
Writer: Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, Brian Lynch
Cast: James Marsden, Russell Brand, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins, Hugh Laurie, David Hasselhoff
Time:
Rating: PG
Opening April 1 at the Metreon, AMC Van Ness 14, Presidio Theatres in San Francisco.
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