Rating: PG | Platform: Disney+

What would you do to save the place you love most? Mabel, an environmentally conscious college student, finds her chance when she stumbles upon a secret animal observation project. While I found “Hoppers” to be a bit better than last year’s “Elio” and most of Pixar’s other recent outings, “Hoppers” still fails to reach the heights of the studios’ glory days. The animation is solid but not innovative and the humor is fine, but a bit hyperactive for my tastes. Its message about the conservation of the natural world is admirable but is handled about as subtly as an angry rhinoceros, lacking the nuance of more experienced writers. Despite all this, there are still things to enjoy. Mabel finds solace in the wilderness — its beauty and life bring a sense of stillness to her often racing mind. Nature itself is a beautiful reminder of God’s glory, one that we would do well to appreciate. If you get a chance take a look at Psalm 104 in its entirety, but for now here is a snippet: “O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104:24).

Queen of Chess

Rating: TV-PG | Platform: Netflix

Detailing the rise of one of the most influential players of all time, “Queen of Chess” tells the story of Judit Polgár, a promising chess player seeking to play against the best in the world. A decent documentary only brought down by infrequent language and some awkward beach attire.

Project Hail Mary

Rating: PG-13

To save human life as we know it, a brilliant schoolteacher must face the dangers of space lightyears away from home. The script was very well-written and the acting was just as beautiful. “Project Hail Mary” was a surprisingly well-made film that I thoroughly enjoyed minus some unfortunately crass and crude humor.

*Zeitgeist is written as reviews, not recommendations.