Back over the summer, we were invited along to a fantastic bloggers' day out at Cadbury's World including an exclusive screening of HOP before its release on DVD. I was absolutely gutted to have to decline the invitation but, what with a fortnight in Turkey, followed by Pierre's christening, we would never have had time to make it. It was a small consolation to receive a a review disc of the film though, and we've all just sat down and watched it.
It's a fun family film that follows the story of E.B., which stands for Easter Bunny, but this rebellious, drum-playing teen-rabbit doesn't want to follow the career path that has been carved out for him in the family chocolate business and runs off to the birght lights of Hollywood to follow his rockstar dream. His story echoes that of Fred, a human (played by James Marsden) who crosses his path and becomes his unlikely buddy and their destinies become intertwined as they help each other find their place in the world.
The film is a mix of animation and live action and, while obviously appealing to kids, has a few things thrown in to amuse the grown-ups too. There's a cameo appearance from David Hasselhoff who refers to his best friend being a talking car (a reference that today's kids wouldn't understand), as well as a quick visit to Playboy Mansion with the real voice of Hugh Heffner on the intercom. (To me, this seemed a bit of a dubious reference in a kids' movie but as a teacher, I'm also stunned to see little girls arriving with Playboy Bunny pencil tins and stationery - I'm sure (or at least I hope !) that kids just like the cute logo and don't understand the seedy sex side of things !) The list of big names, alongside Hugh Heffner, is further lengthened by Russell Brand, who provides the voice of E.B., and Hugh Laurie, his dad.
As if there wasn't enough material for action and humour already, there are also a platoon of Pink Beret ninja rabbits, trying to track down E.B. and bring him home, and a coup d'état planned by the mean Easter chicks who want to take over the Easter factory in the absence of E.B.
I've seen some really negative reviews for this film, which I find quite surprising. It's not hugely original but it provides an hour and a half of fun family viewing that the kids will love and that is perfect for snuggling up on the sofa to watch on a cold, blustery autumn weekend.
HOP was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 29th by Universal Pictures.
star rating : 4/5
for more information : http://www.iwantcandy.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/hop
Other reviews you may be interested in :
Happy 30th Birthday Postman Pat !
Children's DVD review : Thomas & Friends Day of the Diesels : The Movie
Children's DVD review : Humf and the Fluffy Thing
This is a brilliant review. we didn't manage to make it to see this - so have been waiting for it to come out on DVD.
ReplyDeleteThis film is brilliant, we bought it for my son!
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