Zootopia

2016

 

Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy

Jason Bateman as Nick

Idris Elba as Chief Bogo

Jenny Slate as Bellwether

 

Screenplay by Phil Johnston and Jared Bush; story by Jared Bush, Jim Reardon, Josie Trinidad, Phil Johnston, and Jennifer Lee; original uncredited idea by Kellie D. Lewis

Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore; co-directed by Jared Bush

 

Zootopia is the Oscar®-winner for Best Animated Feature Film in 2017, and has its very own Tundratown full of polar animals. The story centers on Judy Hopps, who dreams of leaving her small farming town and becoming a police officer in the metropolis of Zootopia. She encounters many unique situations and characters who challenge her ability to live her life the way she wants. She finds herself falling prey to scams and realizes that while you may want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, you still need to protect yourself from those who will take advantage of you.

 

Oh, yeah. Judy is a rabbit.

 

Pixar is awesome. I know a lot of people went off the deep end about the animals-as-racists tone (predators vs. prey), but wow. What a great opportunity to show a character having a dream, chasing it, and learning about herself as she faces obstacles. Kind of like life.

 

What else was fun?

 

• The subplots and associated characters. I think Nick (Bateman; Juno, The Gift) and Finnick (Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister; Friday, The Fifth Element)’s scam with the popsicles is HILARIOUS. Clearly there are no cottage food laws in Zootopia, since they’re reusing popsicle sticks.
• The otters. Of course. The fact that Octavia Spencer (The Help; Ma) voices Mrs. Otterton plays no part in it. Otters are the best.
• Idris Elba.

 

Weepy Meter: 3/10 It’s sweet, and it’s about animals. You might cry laughing at the friggin’ lemmings.

 

Man Meter: 5/10 He may not dig it so much. It’s Disney/Pixar without the constant singing, but Shakira/Gazelle is pretty cute…for a Gazelle…

 

Overall Rating: 6/10 A very good movie, just not a personal favorite.

 

© 2016 – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures