"Hop"

"Hop" has perfectly, seamlessly blended live people with animated characters. I really enjoyed this movie. It was fun, visually excellent (did not need the annoying 3D effects to make it colorful and exciting), and yes, I'm not ashamed to admit, I loved the adorable main Bunny, "E. B" voiced by Russell Brand. The rest of this report may contain "spoilers" -- so if you can just take my word for it, and go see it, you don't have to read any more. Otherwise, here are some plot details: James Marsden (wonderfully) plays "Fred," who accidentally almost runs over "E.B" who pretends to be quite injured in order get sympathy and especially to get a place to stay, since he has run away from Easter Island, where he was scheduled to take over the family business (?) profession (?) duty (?) responsibility(?) of being the Easter Bunny. His father, voiced by none other than Hugh Laurie, is about to retire, and now it's "E. B's" turn to deliver all the Easter Baskets and candy all over the world (except in China, which isn't on the itinerary yet). The thing is, "E.B" doesn't want to BE the Easter Bunny (with all the inherited magical powers). He want' to be a drummer. (And he's actually pretty good at it!) Well, add to the mix a live appearance (fun cameo ) by David Hasselhoff), plus a mistake by "E.R" who shows up at the Playboy Mansion because he reads that there are always "lots of bunnies" there. Meanwhile, "Carlos," the main chicken in the Easter Egg Factory, voiced by Hank Azaria - with an irresistable accent you can't forget - decides that since "E.B" is missing, he should get the job. I don't think this is a movie just for little kids (though they will enjoy it). If you are young in heart, and not cynical, and not looking for any big message, then I recommend "Hop" for a couple of stressfree hours (actually 90 minutes) in a movie theater. THREE and a half STARS