BY JACK CAMERON for WEEKLY VOLCANO 3/13/26 |
Blue Mouse Theater
Hoppers, Pixar’s latest film, continues its run at the Blue Mouse Theatre. Hoppers is director Daniel Chong’s first feature, but he is surrounded by longtime Pixar veterans behind the camera. The film follows a 19-year-old character played by Piper Curda (I Didn’t Do It TV series) who learns about a technology that places human consciousness into robotic animals. (If this sounds a little like Avatar, the filmmakers know that and make a direct reference to it.)
When she learns that a glade she used to visit with her grandmother is about to be destroyed by construction, she “hops” into a robotic beaver body and rallies the animals to save their environment.
While this movie is suitable for viewers of all ages, some emotional scenes may prompt questions from younger viewers. The lead character struggles with anger issues that she must confront during the story, and for some kids that theme may resonate more strongly than for others.
Jon Hamm, of Mad Men fame, is clearly having a blast playing the pro-construction mayor. And without spoiling the surprise, Meryl Streep also appears in a role that fits perfectly.
Some critics are calling Hoppers a return to form for Pixar. I would agree. Pixar’s focus on character creates a film that feels both memorable and emotionally engaging. In terms of tone and quality, this one reminded me of Finding Nemo.
It is not surprising that it is sticking around at the Blue Mouse for a second week.
For late-night viewers, the Blue Mouse will also screen The Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight on Saturday, March 14.
The Grand Cinema
Over at the Grand Cinema, beginning Friday, March 13, the theater will screen Undertone. Directed by first-time writer-director Ian Tuasun, the film follows Nina Kiri (The Handmaid’s Tale), who plays the host of a popular paranormal podcast that begins receiving mysterious recordings that lead her into something unknown. Tuasun has already been tapped to direct a reboot of Paranormal Activity based on this work.
Sirat, a Moroccan film that follows a desperate father searching for his missing daughter within the rave culture of the Moroccan desert, enters its second week at the Grand. Filmed on location, the natural beauty captured in the movie stands out on the big screen.
The Bride! is also being held over for a second week. According to box office reports, audiences may want to catch this one while they can, as it had a weak opening weekend. This is unfortunate because it is writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal’s first big-budget film, and it is both visually striking and audacious. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in the right mood, The Bride! offers a wild and entertaining take on The Bride of Frankenstein. With Jessie Buckley in the title role and Christian Bale playing the monster, there is plenty to appreciate even if the film struggled to find an audience during its opening week.
For Friday the 13th, the Grand will also host a 10 p.m. screening of the original 1980 horror classic Friday the 13th. The film will screen again Saturday, March 14, at 10 p.m., though it may feel more fitting to watch it on the actual date.
