‘Zootopia’ Review

Often times when the average moviegoer browses various movies to watch in theaters, he or she looks over the animated category because it is deemed a “kids” genre with childish morals. While I do not have this perception on animated films, I would say most are cursed by this misconception. Zootopia is one of those movies I would say every person of every age should see for the sake of its handling with issues in society that are relevant in our world today.

Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), a bunny from the country strives to become the first bunny police officer in the large modern mammal-filled city of Zootopia, where animals from all walks of life live in a supposed peace. The “utopia” Judy believed the city to be drastically differs to the reckless and unfair world that it is. While opportunity to achieve her dream eludes her, she finds herself trying to prove her worth as a cop by solving a missing-mammal case within 48 hours… with the “help” of scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman).

Disney could’ve written a fairy-tale story with a happy ending and a forever happy world with happy characters (I always wondered what the characters of Frozen did after they stopped existing on screen). In taking the risk of creating a flawed world that resembles modern society, I applaud Zootopia. Because it isn’t just about the two destined lovers finally embracing at the end, or the beast realizing the beauty in the world through the girl’s eyes. It’s not about the relationship between two characters, it’s about the prejudice lens we view our peers through.

In this regard, Zootopia is able to appeal to the adult audience, as well as teach young kids about treating people equally. But who knows, your kid might just think the animals are funny because they tell jokes that everyone else laughs at in the theater but they don’t understand. Who knows.

But, what I do know from watching this film is that if there ever was an award for best pacing of an animated film aimed at kids, I would give it to Zootopia. As it is a crime investigation type of deal, never was there a time that my attention veered. The comical cues were perfect even in the most intense situations. I do want to add that the adult humor in this film was a bold and successfully integrated move courtesy of the writers.

The consistency of the environment and animation had me worried about what I should have been worrying about. The characters. Well balanced characters to be exact, complimented each other, mostly born enemies Judy and Nick executed complimentary dialogues. Having this contrast drove home the point of society’s blind use of stereotyping, prejudice and equality.

Ultimately, Zootopia captivates the audience with its comedic and modern charm that most of the time eludes Disney films. I could go on about the plot and spoil everything but I’d rather you experience it for yourself.

I’d rarely give a film a perfect score, but I think this film earns the title, 10/10.