Preview: Hop (2011)

Synopsis:

A mixture of live action and animation, the story involves a live action man named Fred who accidentally injures the animated Easter Bunny and must take him into his home while he recovers and learn lessons about growing up.

• Poster: B-; C+; B-

Review:

Until I saw the second poster, I thought this was a decent incarnation highlighting the lead animated character with a row of chocolate contemporaries.

However, looking at the second poster, I wonder just how much money Universal spent on advertising assets because the only thing that's different about this poster is the surrounding elements. The Easter Bunny's and the chick's poses are identical in each poster.

The third poster is a bit outdated now, but I first saw it just prior to Christmas and was obviously a transparent ploy to use one holiday to promote another.

• Trailer: D-; C+

Review:

Other than the cheese-tastic tagline, there is absolutely no correlation between what is presented in this trailer and what we so far know about the film. It's not that famous a song, it doesn't reference the live action elements and there's nothing funny or engaging about this teaser.

Now that I see more of what the film is about, the more I expect this to be another in a long line of failed live-action/animation crossovers that scream desparate. While it might be a passable comedy, the humor will be so watered down as to be utterly banal.

Oscar Prospects:

Live action/animation cross-overs aren't loved by the Academy, so don't expect much.

Release Date:

• April 1, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (December 3, 2010) Original