Hop

James Marsden established just how funny he could be in the 2010 remake of Death at a Funeral. So, even though hybrid films (live action featuring animated elements) are often questionable, it seemed like he had the ability to pull it off. Let’s see if he does. Hop stars Marsden as an unemployed “loser” trying to find his niche while putting up with pressure from his family. He then has a chance encounter with EB, a talking, plaid wearing bunny, who is the heir apparent to the position of Easter Bunny. But he doesn’t want the job. He wants to be a drummer. After awhile, it turns out that they may not be so different after all.

First problem, Marsden’s family are jerks because the guy is not an actual loser. He lost his job during tough economic times and is nervous about getting rejected again. Now if he never had a job that’s a different story. So, that major plot point is ill developed. Next, EB has the unrealistic aspirations of being a drummer, except there’s the unimportant fact that he is actually a musical virtuoso, which makes this dream pretty realistic, even though he’s a rabbit. These dumb parents, don’t they know anything? The strange chemistry between Marsden and the voice of Russell Brand is the most important and successful aspect of the film. There isn’t that Death at a Funeral wit to his performance, but I assume kids like the mild humor.

You have to admire that Hop isn’t overly concerned with appealing to every age group. This is for children and everyone else has to understand that. But before I give too much praise, there is absolutely no reason for David Hasslehoff to be in this movie. It’s a ridiculous cameo that makes the actor look like a pretentious boob. Plus what child knows who “the Hoff” is? Only a sad, unfortunate child. (7.3 out of 10)