[Movie Reviews]: Hoppers (2026) Christian Review – Pixar's Newest Adventure and the Biblical Call to Stewardship

Pixar has done it again. Just when you think the animation giant has exhausted every creative avenue, they drop Hoppers, a wild, heartfelt story about a teenage girl who literally becomes a robotic beaver to save her community's wildlife. Yeah, you read that right. And somehow, beneath the wacky premise and adorable animal antics, there's a powerful message about stewardship, community, and our God-given responsibility to care for creation.

The Plot: Consciousness Transfer Meets Conservation

Hoppers follows Mabel, a 19-year-old animal lover living in a small town where a construction company threatens to demolish the local forest habitat. When conventional protests fail, Mabel discovers a top-secret technology that allows her to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver. What starts as a quirky experiment becomes a full-blown mission to unite the woodland creatures and stop the destruction before it's too late.

The film balances humor with genuine emotion. Watching Mabel navigate life as a beaver, learning to build dams, communicate with other animals, and literally see the world from a different perspective, provides plenty of laughs. But Pixar doesn't sacrifice depth for comedy. The movie tackles real questions about environmental responsibility, the value of all living things, and what happens when human ambition clashes with the natural world.

What Works: Originality Meets Heart

Pixar consistently delivers original storytelling, and Hoppers ranks among their most inventive concepts yet. The animation is stunning, every fur detail, water ripple, and forest scene feels alive. But beyond technical excellence, the film succeeds because it genuinely celebrates the wilderness and our connection to it.

Critics have praised the movie as "overflowing with ideas, gags, and tons of heart," and they're not wrong. The emotional beats hit hard, especially when Mabel realizes that saving the forest isn't just about stopping bulldozers, it's about preserving a community, an ecosystem where every creature plays a vital role. That's where the Christian perspective really comes alive.

Biblical Stewardship: More Than Just Environmentalism

Here's where Hoppers resonates deeply with believers. The film's environmental message isn't political, it's profoundly biblical. From the very first chapter of Genesis, God establishes humanity's role as caretakers of creation:

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:15)

We weren't created to exploit the earth; we were created to steward it. There's a massive difference. Stewardship means recognizing that everything belongs to God, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1), and we're responsible managers, not absolute owners.

Mabel's mission to protect the animal habitat mirrors this biblical mandate. She sees value in creation beyond its utility to humans. The beavers, deer, birds, and other creatures aren't just resources or obstacles, they're part of God's intricate design, each playing their part in the ecosystem He established.

The film also highlights community and interdependence. When Mabel unites the animals to work together, it reflects the biblical principle that we're stronger together, that every part of the body matters (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The same God who values sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31) certainly values the harmony of His creation.

Addressing the Rebellion Theme

Now, let's talk about the elephant, or beaver, in the room. Hoppers does feature themes of rebellion against authority. Mabel goes against the construction company, defies certain rules, and challenges the status quo. As Christians, we need to think critically about this.

Scripture calls us to respect authority (Romans 13:1-2), but it also celebrates those who stood against unjust systems, Daniel refusing to worship idols, the Hebrew midwives protecting babies, Esther risking her life to save her people. The key difference? Motivation and method.

Mabel's rebellion isn't rooted in selfishness or chaos. She's advocating for those without a voice (the animals), protecting the vulnerable, and opposing genuine injustice, the thoughtless destruction of a thriving ecosystem. She doesn't resort to violence or hatred; she uses creativity, community organizing, and ultimately, compassion.

That said, parents should use this as a conversation starter with kids. Talk about when civil disobedience is appropriate, how to advocate for change respectfully, and the difference between righteous resistance and selfish rebellion. The film provides a great teaching moment, but it won't do the teaching for you.

Content Concerns: What Parents Need to Know

Christian Safety Rating: 4/5 Stars

Hoppers is remarkably clean for a mainstream animated film. Here's the breakdown for concerned parents:

Language:

• 0 uses of profanity

• 0 uses of God's name in vain

• A few mild exclamations ("oh my gosh," "what the heck")

Violence/Action:

• Mild action sequences involving construction equipment and animals

• No blood or gore

• A chase scene where characters are in danger but not seriously harmed

• Approximately 3-4 moments of moderate peril (suitable for kids 6+)

Sexual Content:

• 0 instances

• Clean throughout

Other Concerns:

• Some themes of rebelling against authority (discussed above)

• Brief moments showing corporate greed/environmental destruction that might upset sensitive younger viewers

• One scene of transformation/technology that might be slightly intense for very young children (age 4 and under)

Overall, Hoppers is one of the safest theatrical releases for families. The rebellion theme is the primary concern, but it's presented thoughtfully and provides valuable discussion opportunities rather than promoting mindless defiance.

Final Verdict: A Beautiful Reminder of Our Call

Hoppers earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect: some pacing issues in the second act and the rebellion theme requires parental guidance: but it's a genuinely original, heartfelt story that celebrates creation in a way that should resonate with believers.

We live in a world where environmental care has become politicized, but Christians shouldn't abandon stewardship just because secular culture has co-opted the conversation. Hoppers reminds us that caring for creation isn't about worshiping nature: it's about honoring the Creator by responsibly managing what He's entrusted to us.

The film also beautifully illustrates perspective-shifting. When Mabel literally enters the world of the forest creatures, she gains empathy and understanding she couldn't access from a distance. That's a powerful metaphor for Christian living: entering others' worlds, seeing through their eyes, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Takeaway: Step Into Stewardship

Hoppers challenges us with a simple question: What are we doing with what God has entrusted to us? Whether it's natural resources, relationships, talents, or opportunities, are we managing them as faithful stewards or exploiting them for immediate gain?

Here's your next step: This week, identify one area where you can practice better stewardship. Maybe it's reducing waste, supporting ethical businesses, caring for a local park, or simply spending time appreciating God's creation. Small acts of faithfulness matter. As Mabel discovers, one person caring enough to act can spark a movement.

If you're part of a small group or family, watch Hoppers together and discuss what biblical stewardship looks like in your context. How can you care for what God has made? How can you use your voice to protect the vulnerable? How can you love your community: both human and non-human, well?

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