Hoppers 2026 Pixar Review: Plot Twists, Box Office Numbers & Bold Opinions | Sparrows Under Review

Hosts: JR Sparrow & Stacey Sparrow Guest Intro: King Jerm (Poddin' Saved Our Marriage)This Week's Review: Hoppers (Disney/Pixar, 2026)This week JR Sparrow flies solo to review Pixar's latest animated feature, Hoppers — currently the 4th highest-grossing film of 2026with a $375 million box office haul on a $150 million budget.What's it about? Hoppers follows Mabel Tanaka, a young girl raised near a forest by her grandmother, who becomes deeply connected to nature and wildlife. When Mabel is transformed into a beaver, she finds herself navigating a world of animal kingdoms — insects, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and birds — each with their own rulers, agendas, and comedy. The film tackles themes of government, environmental activism, neglect, and loss, wrapped in stunning Pixar animation.Director: Daniel Chung End Credits Song: Save the Day by ScissorCritical Reception:Rotten Tomatoes: 94%Metacritic: 73/100 (based on 46 critics)CinemaScore: ARogerEbert.com (Neil Minow): ★★★★ — "Pixar at its very best"JR's Take: A well-crafted, thoughtful film that demands your full attention from the start. The plot twists are earned, the ensemble voice cast is stellar, and the writing subverts villain expectations in a refreshing way. Best suited for teens and adults, though younger kids will enjoy the humor and colorful animal characters. Features a standout performance from Meryl Streep.2026 Box Office Rankings (as of April 28):Super Mario GalaxyPegasus 3Project Hail MaryHoppersWeathering HeightsFind us on Threads — drop your takes, requests, and what movies you want covered next!Sparrows Under Review — every take is examined, nothing escapes the spotlight. Follow Poddin' Saved Our Marriage with King Jerm — new episodes every Friday