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Dad of Divas

One Dad's Quest to Regain Control of his Kingdom

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A Heartwarming Animated Adventure That Nature Lovers Will Love

May 5, 2026 by dadofdivas

Hoppers

In this animated comedy adventure, animal lover Mabel seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. As she makes amazing discoveries, Mabel befriends a charismatic beaver and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face a major, imminent human threat.

Bonus Features*

  • The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers.
  • Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers.
  • “Meet King George” Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.
  • Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts.
  • Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth.
  • Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes.
    • Cold Open
    • The Glade
    • The Mission
    • Kings Arrive
    • George’s Bachelor Pad
    • Helicopter Ride

My Take on the Movie

As someone who lives in Michigan and spends a lot of time enjoying our own wildlife and natural spaces, Hoppers really struck a chord. Directed by Daniel Chong, this animated adventure blends humor, heart, and an environmental message in a way that feels both entertaining and meaningful. The story follows Mabel, who uses new technology to connect with animals in a completely unexpected way, leading to friendships and discoveries that drive the film forward.

The animation is vibrant and full of personality, especially in the way the animals are brought to life. There’s a warmth to the storytelling that makes it easy to connect with, whether you’re watching as a parent or just someone who appreciates a good animated film. While the central conflict may feel somewhat familiar, the emotional moments and lighthearted humor help carry it through.

For anyone who loves nature—or just a feel-good story—Hoppers offers a fun, thoughtful experience that lingers after the credits roll.

Filed Under: disney, DVD, Entertainment, movie, product review Tagged With: animated movies, animation, cinema, Disney Pixar, entertainment, environmental themes, family entertainment, family movies, feel good movies, film review, hoppers, kids movies, movie, movie night, movie recommendations, movie review, nature lovers, new movies, pixar, storytelling, wholesome films, wildlife

Big Laughs, Bigger Heart: Why Zootopia 2 Works

January 28, 2026 by dadofdivas

Zootopia 2

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voiced by Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

Bonus Features*

  • Featurettes:

o   The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life.

o   A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match.

o   Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favorite new beaver, Nibbles!

o   Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts.

o   Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life!

o   The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fueled and energized.

o   “Zoo” Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.”

 

  • Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard.
    • What’s In the Box?
    • Where Are They Now?
    • Animal Hospital
    • Welcome to the Team
    • Desert Festival
    • Clawhauser Tracks Judy
    • A Plight at the Museum
    • Clawhauser’s Family

My Take on the Movie

Zootopia 2 builds on the charm of the original while giving its central duo a more layered adventure. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are no longer just mismatched partners; their bond is tested as they chase a city-shaking mystery that pulls them into unfamiliar corners of Zootopia. The story moves quickly, mixing clever humor with moments that carry surprising emotional weight. Kids get the bright action and funny characters, while adults will notice the thoughtful ideas simmering underneath about belonging, history, and who gets to shape a community’s story.

The voice cast brings energy and personality to every scene, and the expanding world feels lively and detailed without becoming overwhelming. New faces add spark, and longtime fans will enjoy the hidden nods tucked throughout. While not every thread goes as deep as it could, the film succeeds as a lively, meaningful sequel that balances fun, heart, and a message about understanding differences — making it an easy family pick.

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment, movie, product review Tagged With: animated adventure, animated films, animation lovers, cartoon movie, cinema review, disney animation, Disney fans, Disney sequel, entertainment, family entertainment, family friendly, family movies, films for kids, Judy Hopps, kids movies, movie, movie night, movie review, movies, Nick Wilde, voice acting, wholesome movies, Zootopia 2

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