‘HitPig!’ Review – A One Of A Kind Action-Packed Pig-Themed Adventure

As the unconventional title suggests, HitPig! is a non-stop action-packed adventure starring a talking pig. With such a crazy premise, the film delivers exactly what audience members are expecting. With no shortage of over-the-top set pieces and rapid-fire jokes and humor, viewers are treated to an opportunity to turn their brains off and have a couple of laughs while the anthropomorphic animals fight.

HitPig! follows the titular pig bounty hunter who is tasked with returning an escaped circus elephant named Pickles. A fast-paced adventure ensues as HitPig embarks on a globe-trotting journey to fulfill his bounty. Along the way, he meets an eccentric cast of colorful animals who he must later team up with to help him save the world.

From a visual perspective, the film’s art direction shows the filmmakers’ dedication to creating a dynamic and lived-in world. Unlike the monotonous trends in visual style that seem to be permeating the genre as of late, HitPig’s setting feels well-crafted and no two characters are designed the same. While not the most visually interesting film this year, clear attention was given to creating the film’s larger-than-life aesthetic. This is present in every element of the world-building from the flashy lighting and colors to the exaggerated character movements and emotions.

With its action-oriented premise, the film moves its characters swiftly from plot point to plot point. This quick pacing of the feature is jarring at times as the protagonist’s adventures briskly transport him from one location to the next. This allows for quick transitions between the many dynamic action sequences, ranging from quick-moving car chases through cities to high-flying aerial showdowns. However, this rapid-fire approach to writing and plot progression leaves little room for creating character depth or meaningful dialogue.

Due to this lack of characterization, the film’s protagonists feel very reminiscent of common tropes. For example, Hitpig is a stoic lone wanderer with a troubled past, while Pickles is a naive and sheltered girl who has not experienced the real world. While the cast suits their roles well, the script does not attempt to differentiate these characters from these templates or develop them beyond these initial characteristics. It would have been interesting to see the film attempt to challenge these archetypes or subvert expectations. While there is character growth from beginning to end, the journeys do not feel earned.

That being said, the cast lends itself well to the witty fast-paced dialogue. Jason Sudeikis brings his trademark sarcasm and humor to the grizzled pig protagonist, with a barrage of snarky comments and one-liners. This allows for some great comedic moments as well as a welcome contrast to Lily Singh’s more earnest performance as Pickles the Elephant. Singh captures the full emotional range of the character, performing the character’s charming naivety and more vulnerable moments equally well. Meanwhile, Rainn Wilson gives a near-unrecognizable performance as the film’s antagonist, The Leapin’ Lord of the Leotard. This whimsical performance serves as a pleasant surprise compared to the deadpan delivery that he is typically associated with. Wilson breathes life into the theatrical antagonist.

Overall, HitPig! is an entertaining if not derivative animal-themed adventure when compared to films that have come before it. It is a serviceable adventure but while the title alludes to something outside of the box, the final product feels bogged down by more of the same tropes of the genre. There is a plethora of action, humor, and sarcastic animal puns, but there seems to be nothing beyond the surface-level characterization and action-packed plot.

HitPig! is currently playing in theaters courtesy of Viva Pictures.