New film ‘Hop’ puts modern twist on Easter tradition

Leslie Philp

When it comes to Easter, images of scavenger hunts for colored eggs and collecting candy come to mind. Why not picture an enchanted candy factory hidden away on Easter Island with chicks operating the machinery?

The animation/live-action film “Hop”, created by the producing-writing team behind the animated film “Despicable Me” and director Tim Hill of “Alvin and the Chipmunks”, incorporates a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-esque candy factory with matching sled and flying chicks into a plot based on acceptance.

Russell Brand voiced E.B., who is next in line to the Easter throne and was held on Easter Island by his traditional father (voiced by Hugh Laurie).

E.B., however, had different dreams for himself and wished to become a drummer in a rock band.

The live-action part of the film came into play when E.B. fled Easter Island-out of a rabbit hole acting as a portal and stumbled across Fred O’Hare (voiced by James Marsden), a slacker house-sitting a mansion.

Destiny allowed E.B. and Fred to cross paths when E.B. auditioned for “Hoff Knows Talent”-yes, a cameo of “America’s Got Talent”, complete with David Hasselhoff and pleather jacket-and Fred thought becoming the Easter Bunny was the “perfect job” for him.

Actor, David Hasselhoff did the exact opposite of his job description. His lines were stiff and he did not contribute anything to the film-unless his chest hair was at the top of the priority list to see- becasue his shirt was unbuttoned in almost every scene.

After E.B. and Fred saved Easter Island from the evil takeover of second in command Carlos (voiced by Hank Azaria), a heavily accented-coup d’etat-factory chick on a power trip,

Fred and E.B. became Co-Easter Bunnies and Fred finally reached a new title instead of jobless slacker.

The set up of Fred (James Marsden) being a jobless slacker and having no respect from his family was endearing, but was not believable for the audience to think after becoming the Easter Bunny he suddenly gained respect.

But then again, magic can always make people believe in the Easter Bunny and flying chicks pulling a sled.

All in all, Universal Pictures produced an entertaining movie with the blend of animation and live acition.

The film had comical one-liners from Carlos as well as his partner in crime Phil (also voiced by Hank Azaria.)

Children under 10 will enjoy the film immensely and more or less beg for candy throughout the movie.

Adults will also love the film because of the humor.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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