Director: Cinzia Angelini, and David Feiss
Writers: Berkeley Breathed, Dave Rosenbaum, and Tyler Werrin
Stars: Andy Serkis, Jason Sudeikis, and Rainn Wilson
Released Date: November 01, 2024
The Story
He’s Here to Save the Day! Hitpig is a new animated movie that will be released in the United States theaters in November 2024, produced by British and Canadian filmmakers. Animated by Cinzia Angelini and David Feiss, the movie is adapted from the book of the same title written by renowned cartoonist Berkeley Breathed. Breathed is also the director of this movie and contributed to the writing of the script as well. So, what’s Hitpig all about? [P]icture a bacon-wanted pig with a chip on his shoulder set in the future with cyber-punk aesthetics. This movie breaks the ordinary Disney or Pixar traditions and introduces us to a more comedic and rebellious character who is different and does unusual things. There are many peculiarities and rules in Hitpig, and it is better to note that no animals are being eaten in this story.
This movie gathers some renowned comedians, such as Rainn Wilson who used to act in the famous series The Office, and Jason Sudeikis known for appearing in Ted Lasso. Sudeikis appears as Hitpig himself as the character is introduced with the song ‘Born to be Wild’ by Steppenwolf. It helps to create an additional layer of entertainment, with such songs as Iggy Pop’s – Wild One, Katrina and the Wave’s – Walking on Sunshine, Pat Benatar’s – Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and Billy Idol’s – Dancing With Myself. These songs are fun and incorporate a certain element of nostalgia which further enhances the film. Hitpig, with his round glasses, is a bit like Jean Reno’s character in Léon: The Professional – working and dedicated but also jovial and can crack jokes. His task is to look for missing animals and return them to their rightful place. His motto? “Lost your dog? You phoned the right hog!”
He is a pig from a farm who turns out to be an explorer in his first adventure to catch an elephant named Pickles (voiced by Lily Singh) who has value and the farmer promises a big reward for the capture of the animal. But chasing after Pickles isn’t straightforward—he moves through Las Vegas and meets a crazed personality called Leapin’ Lord of the Leotard (voiced by Rainn Wilson). On the way, there are lots of unique characters in the farm animals. On the list, there is a gassy polecat, RuPaul, Lola the petting-zoo koala is Hannah Gadsby, and King Chef with a look distinct from a regular crocodile, Flavor Flav. Despite having all these characters, Hitpig has to stay on track. Will his uncertain memory help him distinguish the “sheep from the goats,” or at least the other animals, and complete the task?
To conclude I would like to suggest that even in the later part of this story Hitpig is yet to grow up. He is physically uncoordinated and crashes into things while using technology has embarrassing mishaps and says ‘I am still evolving’. Nevertheless, he perseveres and continues, saying he is okay, although there is chaos around, which translates to meaning he is perfectly fine. In the end, everything gets back to normal and it’s a fun film that is a bit more sassy and edgy than your average animated satisfaction. Hitpig is one new animated series provider, a unique brand that promises a fun and thrilling experience.
If you like animals or if you are a fan of fresh and funny cartoons, Hitpig might be the best animation movie for you. This film is not a continuation of the prior films nor a remastered version; it has its own unique plot and, trust me, it is pretty funny.
Hitpig 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating
Hitpig is rated PG by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for action/peril, rude humor and some thematic elements.
Parental Guide for Hitpig (Rated PG):
- Violence: Mild cartoon action and slapstick humor, with some characters experiencing humorous falls or accidents. No serious injuries and no animals are harmed.
- Language: Occasional mild language and humor that may be a bit edgy but stays within family-friendly limits.
- Thematic Elements: Features a bounty-hunting storyline with scenes involving cyber-punk and futuristic settings, as well as some exaggerated, comical threats.
- Scary/Intense Scenes: A few action scenes may have intense moments, but they are brief and meant to be fun rather than frightening.