The Black Guy Who Tips Podcast | SMR 581: Hoppers

In this episode of Spoiled Movie Reviews on the Blackout Tips Premium Podcast Network, hosts Rod and Karen review Pixar's 2016 film 'Hoppers,' a story about a 19-year-old girl who uses technology to project her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries in the animal world. The hosts express mixed feelings about the film, praising its vibrant visuals, heartfelt environmental message, strong voice cast—including Meryl Streep and Jon Hamm—and the nuanced portrayal of protagonist Mabel as a flawed, impulsive, yet empathetic teen. They also appreciate the humor, music, and surprisingly funny post-credit scenes. However, they criticize the film for being too simplistic, lacking emotional depth for adult audiences, and failing to develop a compelling villain or cohesive narrative. They argue that the movie feels like a retreat from Pixar’s earlier, more layered storytelling, possibly due to corporate pressures from Disney. The hosts conclude with a 2.5/5 and 3/5 rating respectively, noting it’s more suitable for children than adults. The episode also features listener feedback on previous reviews, including critiques of 'The Running Man' and 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' with recurring themes of pacing, emotional resonance, and overproduction.