Zootopia 2
Rating: 5/5
By: Nathaniel Simpson
Let's be honest - Disney sequels don't usually do that well. There have been numerous sequels to both animated and live-action films, as well as live-action adaptations that miss more than they succeed. So, when a sequel to their hit animated film, Zootopia, was announced, a huge part of me was genuinely excited to get back into this world that they created. But, that lingering thought of dread stayed with me that it may fully not live up to the expectations of fans that have waited nearly ten years for the next story with Judy and Nick. From the trailers to the posters to the cast announcements, Disney really sweetened the deal for this sequel, and so when I walked in to the theater on Thanksgiving and prepared to immerse myself in the world of Zootopia for the next hour-and-a-half, I was excited that this film was made. Not only did the movie succeed on every single aspect they were trying to do, but it may rival the first one; this sequel feels like it was meant for the now-older fans of the original, while still keeping it fresh and fun for all ages to enjoy.
The movie opens up not too long after the events of the first film, with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) now working together as partners apart of the ZPD. However, due to the high profile of their last case that they solved together, both Nick and Judy are feeling the pressure to deliver another groundbreaking case, disobeying authority and reason to make sure they prove they're not just a one-hit-wonder in the Zootopia Police Department. When hope seems lost in them and that their last case was just a fluke, a much more exciting case drops into their lap. Zootopia's first known reptile in decades, named Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) has arrived in the city, and is accusing the powerful Lynxley family of being the reason reptiles are banned in Zootopia. Now, Judy and Nick must figure out which side is telling the truth and make sure no one else gets hurt.
Just like the original film, this movie is hilarious from start to finish. Filmmakers Jared Bush and Byron Howard simply know how to craft a fun and entertaining animated film, and I can confidently say they may be some of the best animated film directors working today. While they have both done great projects for Disney separately, together they are truly unstoppable. From the story to the humor to the directing and animating of the world, this is easily one of Disney's best sequels in a long time. I know Frozen may be one of the most popular IPs in the world, but Disney really needs to start giving Zootopia the love it deserves. And, from those box office numbers that just came in a week ago, I think the fans are feeling the same way I am.
Like I mentioned, they crafted this film for the fans, and those fans from the first one have grown up. Therefore, they add in little jokes and segments that only the adults in the audience would get, such as the reference to Silence of the Lambs and the wonderful segment straight out of The Shining towards the end of the film. Bush and Byron knew who they were catering this movie towards, and there is something in this picture that every single audience member can enjoy,
Not only is the movie loads of fun, but the story has so much heart and soul in it. This really is a character study of Nick and Judy and how they act the way they do as partners. Sure, they are definitely far from perfect, but their love and admiration for one another crafts this relationship between the two that is stronger than any of the other partnerships on the police force. The entire picture really unpacks this dynamic between the two of them and how they grow to work together, presenting this beautiful character progression of not only within themselves, but with each other. At the same time, I thoroughly enjoy the characters they introduce in this movie, including Gary, the hilarious Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) and Mayor Winddancer, who is played by one of the most recognizable voices in animation, Patrick Warburton. There are way too many new and old characters to get into here in this review, but I can guarantee that every single one of them is crafted beautifully into this crazy world.
However, the characters wouldn't have worked so well without the amazing voice actors behind them. Goodwin and Bateman have wonderful chemistry with each other and they both play off each other so well. I would say that their interactions are even more hilarious and fun here than in the first movie. Both actors really come into their own here with these characters, and it shows they are simply having a lot of fun now. The same can be said for Quan, Feimster, Warburton, and Andy Samberg, to name a few. Even though this is their first film in this series, each of these actors do a wonderful job of lending their voices to these expertly-designed characters, and make them absolutely unforgettable. I also want to point out the fact that this movie features a wide array of talented actors, including, but not limited to, Macauley Culkin, Brenda Song, Danny Trejo, Alan Tudyk, Dwayne Johnson (in such a fun little cameo), and so much more. The powerhouse performances are just stacked throughout this movie, and they all do a great job of lending their voices to these characters.
Like evident in every other Disney Animation film, the visuals and animation are stellar. The world of Zootopia is so vast and interesting, and the animators do an incredible job of really crafting and bringing the viewer into this world. Consider the neighborhood of Marsh Market; there is so much going on and it's constantly bustling. I have seen this film twice now and there were little Easter eggs and jokes I was picking up on the second time around. It's all so well-done and you can feel the immense amount of effort that was put into crafting the lands within this vast world for this film.
There is no doubt in my mind that Zootopia 2 works incredibly well. THIS is how you make a sequel to a hit Disney film, and Byron and Bush have found that perfect balance between humor and story. This film is bursting with heart and soul, and it has something in it for everyone to enjoy at the theater. There is a reason why this movie has the biggest box office opening of all time for an animated film, and you need to go check it out for yourself on the big screen. This movie deserves to have its audience sit in a dark room and share that experience together.
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