Hop [DVD]

E.B. is the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, and about to be granted the ultimate honour in the bunny world of becoming the Easter Bunny himself, following the retirement of his father. However, E.B. just wants to be a drummer, and decides he doesn't want the responsibility of being the Easter Bunny, and manages to escape Easter Island, ending up in Hollywood where he will pursue his dream of being a drummer. He ends up almost being run over by hapless Fred O'Hare who is jobless, a tad hopeless and sure he is dreaming about a talking rabbit living his home. Fred finds himself looking after E.B. after he discovers he can't get rid of him, and the two of them form an unlikely friendship. When it seems that his father and the other bunnies on Easter Island are in danger, it's up to Fred and E.B. to save the day, but will either of them be able to face up to their responsibilities and save Easter for everyone?!

The character of E.B., who is the son of the Easter Bunny is the main animated character in the film. I felt the animation for him was really good, he was a really cute looking bunny, wearing normal clothes, and certainly appeals to the films younger viewers. He's voiced by Russell Brand, an actor who I have to say doesn't really do it for me at all, but I feel he did really well in this film. His voice suited the character and I felt he really brought E.B. to life. E.B. himself is fun, loves life and wants to be a drummer, something you don't expect of a rabbit and this is why he doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps. But I enjoyed the change in the character when he realises his father is in danger, and it sends a good message to the movies younger viewers.
James Marsden is the human character in the film, Fred O'Hare. Fred is a grown up who has no idea what he wants to do with his life, so ends up house-sitting for his sister's rich boss. He meets E.B. by chance, and the pair strike up an unklikely friendship. Considering he is having to act to something that isn't actually in front of him, Marsden does a fantastic job interacting with the character of E.B., and at no point do you think he's acting to nothing, he does a great job, he's very animated and the friendship between Fred and E.B. is really genuine and sweet. I also have to mention the hilarious chick called Carlos who is determined to become the first Easter Chick against the odds, Hank Azaria voices him wonderfully and he's simply hilarious to listen to and watch!

The story itself isn't anything amazing - Easter Bunny wants his son to follow in his footsteps, son doesn't want to but when he realises his dad is in danger tries to save the day. There is a quite a bit of comedy throughout the film, mainly courtesy of Carlos, but Marsden does his best with the script too. I did like the 2 Pink Berets, action bunnies sent out to hunt down E.B., but they weirdly didn't have much dialogue but added a bit of drama whenever they appeared. The soundtrack was quite good, I remember it featuring a Taio Cruz song during a funny skit involving David Hasselfhoff so they've definitely tried to keep the movie modern. Overall I have to say this was a pleasant enough movie, it entertained Harry for the duration and he laughed along at the funny parts so the humour is clearly well aimed. The animation was lovely, the story a bit ridiculous with some adult references in there the kids won't get (the Playboy mansion!) but overall a watchable and sweet children's movie. It isn't the best by means, but it's a nice way to pass the time!

Bought this from Amazon UK as it wasn't released yet in the USA...its listed as Region A on the UK site....however the ONLY part of it thats region A(region free actually) is the BLU-RAY..the DVD/Digital copy are UK only!!!....quite a disappointment as I intended to give my Granddaughter the DVD as they do not have a blu ray player...and I bought 2 to sell on ebay...what a loss!

This movie was great in the theater and it is equally as enjoyable at home. It is for the young and the young at heart! This is the kind of movie that you can watch over and over again. Do yourself a favor, buy this movie and the Smurfs. You will be so happy you did, on a cold winters day, when you just want to sit inside, cozy warm, watching television.