HOPPING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

Rabbits are naturally my favourite animals mainly because I'm born in the Year of the Rabbit and I have the most obvious Rabbit tooth.

So I was super excited when I saw Hop's movie trailer two years ago. 

Besides the cute rabbits hopping, I was really looking forward to see two of my favourite actors James Marsden and Russell Brand's collaboration in the film.

Fast forward 2 years later, I finally managed to watch the movie (talk about the excitement).

Again, I expected too much but was let down. 

The plot is weak, and characters are not well developed. 

Both lead characters, EB and Fred O'Hare were a disappointment. 

The opening sequence of the movie seemed promising - small cute rabbit with drums and young Fred who witnessed the Easter Rabbit delivering candies to the children of the world. Gives you the impression that it is a story about hope and all things colourful - was prepared for a few good laughs myself.

Fast forward the movie to twenty years later and it wasn't an impressed Tammy after 1 hour and 30 minutes of bunny screen time.

However, it is true they say that Brits can get away with anything with their accent. Perhaps that's the only thing that made EB memorable - his accent. EB failed to be the 'chipmunks' of the Rabbit world and no matter how naughty he is, somehow, EB is just not memorable enough.

And the part where EB auditioned for the Hoff is just plain...idiotic. The whole scene is somehow a mockery, and I don't even know a mockery of who or what. That scene to me looks ridiculous and unconvincing.

James Marsden's character was also a complete let down. 

There is a very weak link between the young boy who saw the Easter bunny when he was young and the grown up he is. What I mean is, so if the boy saw Easter bunny when he was young, does it mean that he will be someone who thinks all jobs are not good enough for him?

I believe a connection between what he witnessed when he was little to the man he is when he grows up needs to be established. For example, say - he should be a postman/mailman (deliver things) and his dad ain't proud of his son because he doesn't see the value in his son's job. But at the end he realises that delivering all these things (letters, candies etc) are meaningful act because it makes other people's day - make them happy.

The ending scene when Fred's dad said I'm proud of you son, there were totally no emotions what-so-ever mainly because there were no build-up to that moment. The scene wasn't done in a convincing manner and it felt, to be frank, completely stupid and really, I felt like it is made just to fit in with all the other cliche endings.

I mean, why would a dad who expects so much from his son be proud of his son being Easter Bunny?  What is the significance of being the Easter bunny? Logically, wouldn't a rigid dad like that be more freaked out? What made the change in the father? Just breakfast? It wasn't properly written and the story is just another story.

There were no real climax in the movie to be honest. Even the chicken taking over the candy factory was boring. 

I thought EB would be out to be a musician while Fred O'Hare took his place as Easter Bunny.

And then EB just gave up his dream of becoming a musician and what, now have a co-Easter Bunny. Things seemed a tad ridiculous...

And the music, sigh...so so sad that it failed to make me hop like a rabbit.

Usually I'm very excited about soundtracks and usually movies like this will leave me stuck with a few good tracks to download. Sadly, although the song "I Want Candy" is currently stuck in my head, I guess I wouldn't really be downloading it anytime soon. 

Really really thumbs down this one. I am so sorry.  I still can't understand how this film can be from the same producers of Despicable Me. Despicable Me had character and a strong storyline on top of the cuteness offered, but Hop however, failed tremendously in terms of delivering a good plot.

But like any bunnies, they get away with things because they are cute.

So, if you are into cuteness and all, you'll be forgiving of this movie. And I believe if the objective of the movie is to entertain children, I guess it does have some magic. Its colourful chocolate and candy bars might just do the trick. 

TC-My Ratings:

Love,

TammyC