Hop

Hidden beneath giant statues on Easter Island, a wondrous candy factory is run by the Easter Bunny (voiced by Hugh Laurie), who plans to pass the confectionary production and delivery duties to his irresponsible son, E.B. (Russell Brand)—much to the chagrin of power-crazed chick Carlos (Hank Azaria)—in this Easter-themed live-action/animation comedy. Preferring to play the drums, floppy-eared E.B. runs away (via the Rabbit Hole Transporter) to seek his fortune in Hollywood, auditioning for a David Hasselhoff-hosted American Idol-type talent show after an impromptu jam session with the Blind Boys of Alabama. Meanwhile in nearby Van Nuys, amiable slacker Fred O'Hare (James Marsden) is kicked out of the house by his frustrated parents (Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins). When his sister (Kaley Cuoco) offers to let him house-sit her boss's Beverly Hills home, Fred accidentally runs over E.B., who plays the sympathy card for his (nonexistent) injuries and moves in. Cheeky, talkative E.B. soon becomes Fred's constant companion, engaging in zany escapades, but the Easter Bunny's intrepid Pink Berets are determined to bring E.B. home to assume his rightful duties in time for the seasonal holiday. Blandly derivative of The Santa Clause and The Tooth Fairy, this so-so holiday entry is an optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include six “The World of Hop” behind-the-scenes featurettes (9 min.), the new mini-movie “Phil's Dance Party” with costar Hank Azaria (3 min.), “All Access with Cody Simpson” featuring the “I Want Candy” theme song singer (3 min.), “Russell Brand's Kid Crack Ups” interviews with children (3 min.), a “Carlos on Carlos: The Premiere According to Carlos” character featurette (3 min.), “Emotion in Motion: The Dance of Ken Daurio” on the dancing chick with the writer (3 min.), “Post Coup Commentary: Carlos & Phil Tell All” with Azaria (3 min.), a brief “Being the Bunny” dialogue with Brand, three games including “E.B.'s Candy Challenge,” “Drum Along,” and “Pink Beret Skill Tester,” and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus digital, UltraViolet, and DVD copies of the film, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an unremarkable family film.] (S. Granger)