Zootopia

Rewatched in preparation for ZOOTOPIA 2. Rating: A+ Returning to ZOOTOPIA years later confirmed it as one of my absolute favorite Disney animated movies, compelling me to upgrade my rating from an 'A' to a rare 'A+' for the first time ever. It's easily one of the most cleverly hilarious kids' films I've ever seen, filled with brilliant animal-related humor that had me cracking up alone at home — something I rarely do on a rewatch. The legendary DMV sloth scene remains one of the funniest moments in the history of cinema, perfectly pacing its comedy to agonizingly uproarious effect. Beyond the laughs, directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore construct a genuinely mysterious narrative, blending a buddy-cop thriller with stylish neo-noir choices that keep the runtime flying by. Beneath the fun exterior and Shakira's unforgettable anthem lies a beautiful story about believing in our dreams and acknowledging failure as a necessary step toward success. The voice cast is phenomenal, with Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman anchoring a roster where every voice either merges perfectly with the animal or plays as an efficient joke. However, the movie's true power lies in how it handles the dichotomy between predator and prey; it serves as a mirror held up to human society, examining how fear, prejudice, and systemic bias operate even among those who believe themselves to be progressive. ZOOTOPIA is a masterwork that proves anyone can be anything, delivering an unforgettable experience that reminds us that trying to make the world a better place is a messy, complicated, but ultimately necessary journey.

Bunny rabbit "Judy" is determined that she is going to be the first of her kind to make it into the ranks of the "Zootropolis" police force. Her boss, "Bogo" is not so enthusiastic, so it's lucky that an otter has gone missing and that she can promise his wife that she will track him down! As she delves deeper into the mystery, she encounters the street-smart fox "Nick" and together they gradually uncover a plot to turn the city's predator population into dangerous menaces and that that scheming runs all the way to City Hall! It's now up to these two to put aside their mutual suspicions and work together if they are to thwart this dastardly plan! The story itself, here, isn't really anything new - but along the way some effort has been made to create some fun characterisations. Not least the painfully slow sloth doing the vehicle checks, the sheepish assistant mayor "Bellweather" as well as just about every beast from jungle and pasture alike. The script is often quite funny allowing the partnership to evolve at quite an entertaining pace and there are plenty of escapades en route to the slightly left-field denouement... Unlike many of it's Disney contemporaries, there has been investment in a solid story and it comes across well in this enjoyable and characterful family drama.

I like 'Zootopia', it's much better than I had anticipated. First off, the animation is superb - as we expect from Disney of course, but that doesn't change the fact. Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy) leads the cast very well, while Jason Bateman gives the most memorable performance as Nick. Idris Elba and Jenny Slate (not Edie Falco or Constance Shulman, as I initially guessed... just me? Probably) are good too. The premise is actually my favourite part of this film. I'm not saying it's anything revolutionary, but it actually feels fresh throughout - I enjoyed seeing it play out, it's paced perfectly. There's a nice 'Breaking Bad' reference in there, too. An entertaining 2016 animated film, one that also has a positive message. Recommended.