Movie Review: Pixar delivers with sweet, action-packed ‘Hoppers’

"Hoppers" might be built with familiar parts, butPixar's latestisn't trying to hide its various influences. Instead, this buoyant, freewheeling adventure about a spirited 19-year-old environmental activist who infiltrates the animal world in the body a robotic beaver wears its references for all to see. Sometimes it's with a wink; Sometimes it's more overt, like Kathy Najimy's flustered scientist shouting, "This is nothing like'Avatar!'"

Film Review - Hoppers

Of course, "Hoppers," directed by Daniel Chong, is a little like "Avatar," but who can blame her for being defensive? She's figured out how to transport human consciousness into a robotic animal that can not only pass as a real one — in this case a beaver — but communicate with all varieties of mammals, insects and amphibians too. Is it also a"Simpsons already did it"reference? That might be getting a little too meta, but the point is "Hoppers" is having fun with its own chaos.

Najimy's Dr. Fairfax is a relatively minor character in the world of "Hoppers," but she, and everyone else around Beaverton (both animal and human), are rendered with the kind of specificity, care and goofiness that make them memorable regardless of screen time. This is an especially good thing when the supporting voice cast includes people like Meryl Streep, Sam Richardson,Dave Franco, Ego Nwodim and Vanessa Bayer. The last time I felt so singularly connected to the ensemble of a Pixar movie was"Luca,"which was also written by Jesse Andrews.

The hero at the heart of "Hoppers," Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda), is actually a kind of spiritual sister to "Luca's" Giulia Marcovaldo — impassioned (some might ungenerously say "too much") and a bit of an outcast because of it.

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Mabel's focus has always been animals: She was the kid who tried to free the pets in her elementary school (several times). As a young adult, she's the one who shows up on the mayor's lawn to debate. When Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm) comes to tear down a particularly sentimental spot, the glade, in the name of finishing a highway overpass that will save his constituents four minutes on their commutes, she goes full terminator in her mission to save it — or, you know, as much as a 19-year-old in the body of a mechanical beaver can.

As a beaver, Mabel forms a friendship with King George (Bobby Moynihan), an optimistic, 80s-music loving beaver who oversees a superdam for all the displaced wildlife. The various species live in relative harmony and peace but still abide by dryly practical "pond rules" like "when you've gotta eat, eat." Her gung-ho, apologize later attitude has some positive effects. It also gets her and her new friends in over their heads when she inadvertently incites a war. For a PG-rated Pixar movie, the stakes get rather, uh, real. It is worth remembering that time in "Toy Story 3" where Woody and his pals seemed prepared for imminent incineration. This is decidedly tamer.

Don't think too hard about how "Hoppers" gets you from a little tale about a girl trying to save a patch of land to a truly helter-skelter third act involving a flying assassin shark, a Machiavellian insect prince and more body swapping than "Freakier Friday." Just enjoy the adorable and slightly manic ride.

Somehow, amid all the lighthearted anarchy, "Hoppers" manages to pull a few emotional strings too. After the heavy-handed"Elio" misfire, "Hoppers" might still feel fairly distant from the heights of peak Pixar; It's also a big, joyful leap in the right direction.

"Hoppers," a Walt Disney Co. release in theaters Friday, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for "some scary images, mild language and action/peril." Running time: 105 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.

byMario Satorik

in

March 02, 2026

Movie Review: Pixar delivers with sweet, action-packed ‘Hoppers’

"Hoppers" might be built with familiar parts, butPixar's latestisn't trying to hide its various influe...

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Disney Channel Stars Who Are Now All Grown Up — and Married!

These Disney stars all got their fairytale endings!

From their early days on theDisney Channelto their happily ever afters with their significant others, these celebrities are now all grown up, married and in some cases, having kids of their own.

In celebration ofZendayaandTom Holland's super secret wedding, here's a look back at her fellow Disney Channel alums who have also said "I do" over the years — includingSelena Gomez,David Henrie,Demi Lovato,Nick Jonasand more!

Zendaya

If you're waiting for an invitation to the Tom Holland and Zendaya nuptials, we're sad to tell you, it got lost in the mail.

According to Zendaya's long-term stylist and friend, Law Roach, theDuneactress and her beau secretly tied the knot. While attending the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, Roach was asked if he and Zendaya had started looking for looks for the wedding. "The wedding has already happened," he cheekily toldAccess Hollywood."You missed it."

"Is that true?" the reporter inquired. "It's very true," he responded with a laugh.

Lindsay Lohan

Like Zendaya,Lindsay Lohanlet people know she was married to husband Bader Shammas after the fact.

""🎂❤️🥰I am the luckiest woman in the world. Not because I need a man, but because he found me and knew that I wanted to find happiness and grace, all at the same time," Lohan began her caption on a photo posted in July 2022.

She added: "I am stunned that this is my husband. My life and my everything. ❤️every woman should feel like this everyday 💖🙏." TheHerbie: Fully Loadedstar continued.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez wed fiancé Benny Blanco after two years together. The pair first started dating back in 2023 and were engaged in December 2024.

Gomez announced the news viaInstagram, sharing a series of photos and clips from the nuptials and the simple caption: "🤍 9.27.25 🤍."

A source close to the couple told PEOPLE that Gomez'sOnly Murders in the BuildingcostarsSteve Martin and Martin Short were in attendance, and even joined forces to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner.

The pair's close friends — Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Finneas were also present, as well as other stars such as SZA, Camila Cabello, Paris Hilton, Paul Rudd, Cara Delevingne and many more.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovatobecame the latestCamp Rockalum to walk down the aisle when she wedJordan "Jutes" Luteson May 25, 2025,wearing a white Vivienne Westwood gown.

"Demi looked stunning,"a source told PEOPLE of the big day, which took place at a mansion overlooking the Southern California coast. "Mostly smiling, though there were a few emotional moments that clearly moved her."

Months before her big day, Lovato shared her excitement on Instagram writing "Jordan, I cannot WAIT to marry you!!" later adding, " I can't wait to grow old with you and start a family together."

Nick Jonas

WhenCamp Rock'sNick Jonas and actress Priyanka Chopra Jonastied the knot back in 2018, they did so ina multi-day celebrationin India where they were joined by more than 225 guests. Their first wedding ceremony was a Christian wedding that took place on December 1 and was officiated by Nick's fatherKevin JonasSr. The couple wore custom Ralph Lauren for the occasion.

Their second ceremony the following day was atraditional Hindu ceremonywhich was followed by a reception a few days later inDehli.

The couple now shares one daughter, Malti Marie.

Kevin Jonas

The eldest Jonas Brother,Kevin, was the first of his brothers to become a married man. Back in December 2009, Kevin marriedDanielle Jonasat Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y.

Looking back on their big day 15 years later,Kevin told PEOPLEthat while the day was "magical and perfect" there was also a "freak blizzard." Though despite some worry about how the weather would impact the day, everything worked out in the end.

"I wanted to throw a great party, which we did," Kevin said.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duffmarried musicianMatthew Komaon December 21, 2019 at their home. For the ceremony theLizzie McGuirealumna worea custom Jenny Packham gownwith "beautiful cape-like sleeves." The dress also included the sentimental touch of having Duff and Koma's initials, along with their wedding date, embroidered in the hemline along with the initials of their then one-year-old daughterBanks Violet Bairand Duff's sonLuca Cruz(the couple are now also parents to daughters Mae and Townes.)

Later on in the evening, Duff changed into a sparkling gold two-piece ensemble (seen here).

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Ashley Tisdale

After getting engaged on the top of the Empire State Building,Ashley Tisdalewed Christopher French in September 2014 in Santa Barbara (with fellowHigh School Musicalalumna Vanessa Hudgens by her side as a bridesmaid). Tisdale later told CBS News, "I married my best friend."

"It felt like I was married before or something — I guess because we act that way. It definitely feels amazing," she added. "This relationship was definitely different from any other relationship I ever had. ... Nothing is forced. It's the best feeling ever."

The couple now share two daughters, Jupiter Iris andEmerson Clover.

Corbin Bleu

Tisdale'sHigh School MusicalcostarCorbin Bleu married Sasha Clementsin Santa Barbara, Calif. in July 2016 after meeting in the aisle of a supermarket.

"Getting married to Sasha today was the best moment of my life," Bleu told PEOPLE at the time.

Anneliese van der Pol

Anneliese van der Pol's love story has Disney Channel roots: She and her now-husband Johnno Wilson met after being cast as ex-spouses on theThat's So RavenspinoffRaven's Home.A year after getting engaged in 2023, the couple eloped in December 2024 at theSanta Barbara Courthouse.

Debby Ryan

Debby Ryanand her rockstar husband Josh Dunmarried on New Year's Eve in 2019— planning the Austin wedding in under a month's time.

"The ceremony was the perfect balance," Dun toldVogue. "I felt like it was game night at our house, and this was the ultimate game, and boy did I win! I remember every detail from how it felt to be walking down the aisle, to the full body chills I got watching Debby walk down toward me."

David Henrie

David Henriemarried Maria Cahill back in 2017 surrounded by friends and family — including hisWizards of Waverly PlacecostarsSelena Gomez, Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, David DeLuise and Maria Canals-Barrera.

Now the pair areparents of three, welcoming their first child Pia in 2019, followed by James and Gemma in 2020 and 2021.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symonémarried Miranda Pearman-Maday in an intimate outdoor wedding in 2020 in Debbie Allen's garden (and Allen also catered the celebration!).

"Despite being someone who has kept my personal life private, I decided to share this moment because it's one of the biggest and happiest of my life,"Symoné told PEOPLEat the time.

Describing the details, theThat's So Ravenstar said "We wore hype beast outfits, had fried oysters a la Debbie Allen and our first dance was to '99 Problems' — it couldn't have been better ... well, the post-[coronavirus] party might be!"

Dylan Sprouse

Just a month after announcing their engagement, theSuite Life of Zack and CodystarDylan Sprouse and his model fiancée Barbara Palvingot married in her home country of Hungary in 2023.

"All the people we love and care for were there," the bride toldVogueof the wedding that took placein the same church where her parents wed more than 30 years prior."We all cried a little."

Vanessa Hudgens

High School Musical'sVanessa Hudgensmarried baseball player Cole Tucker at Azulik City of Arts in Tulum, Mexico. For the nuptials, the High School Musical alumna wore a Vera Wang gown with a custom veil that read: "Mrs. T December 2nd, 2023."

The wedding was a full circle moment for the couple as it was officiated by Jay Shetty, who was also leading the Zoom meditation where the pair first met.

Last summer, the two became parents when theywelcomed their first baby.

Aly Michalka

Aly Michalka(ofPhil of the Futurefame) married filmmakerStephen Ringerin 2015 after announcing their engagement the year prior. Now, the two are parents to baby son Jack Franciswho arrived last summer.

Raven Goodwin

FormerGood Luck, CharliestarRaven Goodwinmarried her beau, Wiley Battle, in a dreamy ceremony that took place at Celestia Grand Villas in Santorini, Greece, on Oct. 29, 2021.

The star shared photos from their couple's special dayon Instagramwith the caption, "Peaceful. Simple. It was perfect. Just us and our koúkla. 10*29*2021#thebattlesone2021."

Goodwin and Battle first met in October 2016 while filming a TV series and connected at Morehouse and Spelman College's joint "Spelhouse" homecoming tailgate.

They welcomed their daughter, Riley Rosa Bell Battle, in January 2020.

Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

March 02, 2026

Disney Channel Stars Who Are Now All Grown Up — and Married!

These Disney stars all got their fairytale endings! From their early days on theDisney Channelto their happi...

Read More

Eric Dane's Official Cause of Death Confirmed

Eric Dane's official cause of death has been confirmed

NEED TO KNOW

• The Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star died on Thursday, Feb. 19

• Dane announced in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Eric Dane's official cause of death has been confirmed.

TheGrey's AnatomyandEuphoriaactordiedof respiratory failure, according to his death certificate obtained by PEOPLE.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)is an underlying cause of death.

Dane was 53. He is survived by his wife,Rebecca Gayheart, and their two children,Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.

His family confirmed that the stardied on Thursday, Feb. 19, nearly one year after he announcedhe had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells, leading to eventual paralysis of the muscles, according to theMayo Clinic. There is no cure for ALS. However, there are medications and forms of physical therapy that can slow the progression.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," Dane's family said in a statement to PEOPLE on Feb. 19. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."

Dane revealed his ALS diagnosisin April 2025.

"I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter," he told PEOPLE at the time.

"I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set ofEuphorianext week," he added. "I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."

Dane began filming season 3 of HBO'sEuphoria, where he starred as Jacobs family patriarch Cal, justfour days after announcing his ALS diagnosis.

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The actor's first televised performance following his stunning revelation was asa firefighter and 9/11 herowho struggles to tell his wife he's been diagnosed with ALS onan episode ofBrilliant Mindsthat filmed last October and aired the following month.

Dane said that the most challenging thing about the role was separating himself from his character, but added that he was "grateful" for the "cathartic" experience.

"I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day, I don't think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying,"he said in a virtual panelfeaturingI AM ALSandSynapticureco-founders Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2, 2025.

"I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn't built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me."

Dane found it "very encouraging" to know that he can actually have a "buoyant spirit in the face of something so horrible."

He added, "It's imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don't feel like my life is about me anymore."

In January, the actor was scheduled to attend theALS Network'sChampions for Cures and Care Galaand be recognized asAdvocate of the Year. However, Danecanceled his appearance hours before, "due to the physical realities of ALS" and not being "well enough to attend," the ALS Network confirmed to PEOPLE at the time.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community, and we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support," the organization said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, adding thatAaron Lazar, a fellow actor diagnosed with ALS, would instead "accept the award on [Dane's] behalf."

Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

March 02, 2026

Eric Dane's Official Cause of Death Confirmed

Eric Dane's official cause of death has been confirmed NEED TO KNOW The Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria ...

Read More