11/04/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | APR 11, 2026

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Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda) is a 19-year-old college student driven by a strong sense of environmental responsibility. – ALL PICS IMDB

The animal society operates with a formal hierarchy, including advisors, rulers and enforcers.

MOVIE REVIEW

0 Cast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm,

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI

Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, Meryl Streep 0 Director: Daniel Chong

F OR a studio once defined by emotional precision and narrative ambition, Pixar’s Hoppers lands in a more modest space. It is easygoing, broadly entertaining and clearly designed for families, but it rarely reaches the creative highs associated with titles such as Finding Nemo , Toy Story or Inside Out . At its core, Hoppers follows a familiar idea. A young woman transfers her consciousness into a robotic animal to communicate with wildlife and protect their habitat. The film itself acknowledges the resemblance to Avatar (2009), even poking fun at the comparison. That self-awareness helps, but it also underlines how closely the story follows a well-worn path. potential. Environmental destruction and animal conservation are serious themes, and the film gestures towards them throughout. However, the treatment feels scaled down. The stakes are present, but softened. Conflict exists, but is resolved in ways that keep things firmly within safe, family-friendly territory. It gives the impression of a film that wants to say more, but stops short. The broader issue of deforestation never quite lands with the weight it should, and the narrative feels constrained, as though shaped to remain accessible rather than challenging. Where it works Hoppers succeeds most in its animation and character design. The animals are consistently appealing, with the beavers standing out in particular. Their expressions and movements are detailed, and often genuinely funny. There is also a notable visual distinction between how animals appear to each other, and how they are perceived from a human point of view. That shift in perspective adds a layer of creativity and helps the film stand out in smaller ways, even if the larger story Big themes, smaller execution The premise carries clear

E-VALUE 6 ACTING

7

PLOT

6

Middle-tier Pixar at best o Fun for kids, less rewarding for everyone else Beavers were chosen as the central species due to their real-world role as the ecosystem’s engineers.

It has the branding, humour and visual appeal to draw audiences, but lacks the depth and originality needed to stand alongside Pixar’s most memorable work such as Finding Nemo (2003), Toy Story (1995) or even more recent entries such as Inside Out (2015) and Coco (2017). It is a fun enough watch for families and an easy recommendation if there are limited options at the cinema. However, it is difficult to imagine it becoming anyone’s favourite Pixar film or a title that people continue to revisit. Verdict An enjoyable, family-friendly film that delivers in the moment but struggles to leave a lasting impression.

message: humans and animals must coexist, and people need to take responsibility for their share of the world. That clarity works in its favour, especially for younger viewers. At the same time, it contributes to the sense that the film never fully expands. The emotional beats are predictable, and the narrative remains contained. Forgettable, but functional Hoppers ultimately feels like another mid-tier animated release that will perform well commercially, but leave little long-term impact.

remains conventional. The film also includes a handful of song and dance sequences clearly aimed at younger audiences. These moments are light and functional, helping to maintain pace and energy without significantly elevating the material. Simple message, limited impact Tonally, Hoppers keeps things straightforward. It avoids turning inward or framing the story as a vehicle for heavy emotional introspection. Instead, it delivers a direct and uncomplicated

Outcome film captures Keanu Reeves’s character at centre of image crisis

IN the dark comedy film Outcome , Keanu Reeves plays a Hollywood movie star whose carefully crafted public image begins to unravel when he is blackmailed with a mysterious video that threatens his career. Reeves portrays Reef Hawk, a beloved film icon who turns to his closest circle, including lifelong friends Kyle and Xander – played by Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer, respectively – and his crisis lawyer Ira, portrayed by Jonah Hill – to contain the fallout. Hill also directed the film, and co-wrote it with Ezra Woods. As pressure mounts, Reef launches an unconventional apology tour,

experience,” she said. For Bomer, the story’s focus on friendship resonated during production. “It made me realise the value of deep friendships that transcend public perception,” he said, adding that the set encouraged creative freedom. Laverne Cox, who appears as part of Reef’s crisis-management team, said the film poses pointed questions about accountability, highlighting a line delivered by Martin Scorsese in the trailer: “What are you sorry for?” Outcome can be streamed on Apple TV. – Reuters

revisiting people he believes he may have wronged in hopes of uncovering the identity of the extorter. Hill balances heightened comedy with moments of emotional reflection, using the premise to explore accountability and authenticity in an era defined by public scrutiny. Reeves said working with Hill on the Apple TV movie brought a distinctive energy to the set. “Energy, vibrancy, creative yummy,” he described. Diaz said the film probes what makes an apology meaningful. “It’s really about the person receiving it. Whether it matters is relative to their

Reeves attends the premiere of Apple TV’s Outcome in

New York. – AFPPIC