hough it attempts to connect on a human level, “Hoppers” thrives on its over-the-top, harebrained antics that begin in familiar sci-fi territory and quickly escalate to “Sharknado” style inanity. Such absurd concepts, paired with character designs both cleverly simple and whimsically mischievous, work to keep the slapsticky situations barreling onward with consistent riotousness, ebbing only when more sincere emotions are forced to the forefront. Main character Mabel’s relationships with her grandmother, her nemesis, and her newfound rodent friends are explored too briefly, offering only glimpses of poignancy before being buried beneath the next grandiose caper.

Ever since she was a child, Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda) has loved nature – and been a force of one. Rebelling against anything and anyone in her pursuit to save the precious glade behind her grandmother’s house, she constantly butts heads with Beaverton’s Mayor Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm), who in turn is determined to clear the clearing and its array of wildlife to build his beloved beltway. When Mabel accidentally uncovers her university teacher’s pet project of “hopping” human minds into animal bodies to study their habits, she commandeers the technology for use in her own objective. But her initial mission of coaxing a beaver to return to the meadow to revitalize the animal life soon becomes a madcap battle of wits, wills, and flying sharks.

Once “Hoppers” moves past the obvious “Avatar” inspirations, the ideas escalate exponentially in imagination and looniness. Different animal faces depending on the point of view offer humorous sight gags while the varied spectrum of personalities on the animal council never fail to amuse. A lazy beaver and an enthusiastic lizard steal the scenes they’re in and the zaniness of an apex predator hitwoman and a homicidal larva signify high points in ingenuity. There’s no shortage of creativity in the farcical animal escapades, but when it’s time for characters to have a candid conversation, the momentum lulls.

It’s not exactly subtle but the crux of the film’s emotional journey rests on the despondent feelings Mabel has struggled with since childhood. These moments pop up in between the harrowing hijinks and while they have their heart in the right place, the execution comes up short. Adversary Jerry isn’t fleshed out enough for the audience to sympathize or fully hate him, and the grandmother’s flashbacks don’t give her the screen time necessary to be as impactful as she deserves. Mabel’s fierce personality overshadows any tender moments and even George the beaver can’t quite muster the gravity he’s due in his mirroring revelations of betrayal, grief, and frustration. Prior Pixar movies have achieved a stunning balance of both humor and pathos but “Hoppers” finds more success in the former with exceedingly cute character designs and extravagantly preposterous situations. But without a little heartache, few of the laughs have enough staying power on their own.

– Joel Massie