[yasr_overall_rating]
In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy.
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where humanoid mammals from every environment live together — a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. However, the city is separated into classes, where they face prejudice based on preconceived notions about their species. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. She is sidelined into the boring job detail of meter maid. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case of a missing otter, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.
“Zootopia” is being brought to us by the same production team that delivered “Frozen” and “Big Hero 6.” (Bit of trivia: In “Big Hero 6,” there is a poster for “Zootopia” under the bridge that Bamax and Heiro fly under! Also in “Big Hero 6,” the character of Honey Lemon has a phone case that looks like lead “Zootopia” character Nick Wilde.)
I had started to feel as though animated animal movies had run out of anything original to say, and along comes this smartly written, amusing, and crisply relevant story. Much like “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia” is a movie with a moral message. Upfront themes of prejudice and diversity give “Zootopia” a mirror to hold up on very current real world events and issues. Directors Byron Howard and Rick Moore (“Tangled,” “Bolt” and “Wreck-It Ralph”) deliver a largely successful family film.
At first glace the world of “Zootopia” is vibrant but standard fair. This impression quickly gives way to a complex and interesting creation. The writers have successfully given kids a story full of fun, laughs and thoughtful timely messages, with just enough pop culture references to keep the teenagers and adults laughing and interested. The resulting effect will appeal to all creatures great and small. With its spring break release date of March 4th, this is absolutely a movie the whole family will enjoy.
Although I previewed the movie in 3D, and the Disney studios have been the powerhouse of 3D animation over the past few years, I’m not sure the 3D effects added much to the movie. Absolutely stunning attention to detail and vivid use of color and depth give this animated feature all the brilliance that I’ve come to only expect from a Pixar film. If you’re really into the 3D effects, go for it. I however, will be completely happy seeing this again in a regular screening.
The pairing of Ginnifer Goodwin as Officer Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde, is magical. Both actors offer a fantastic spot on characterization. They also play off of each other’s energy and timing.
It was especially fun to constantly see new parts of the city. Just when you think you’ve seen all of Zootopia, a fun creative part of the city is imagined for us on the screen. The Tundra, Sahara and Rain Forest parts of the city are no surprise. However, when we suddenly in a part of the city that is all made for the smallest mice and hamsters, the true level of how deep the writers’ and directors’ imaginations go is clear.
I normally attend movie screenings with my husband, and occasionally with one of my teenagers. For the screening of “Zootopia,” my +1 was my 9 year old daughter. All the big kids had been taken out to see “Deadpool,” so I thought it only fair to give my youngest a night out at the movies. I also wanted to have a kid’s perspective on the movie. From curtain up to curtain down, she was on the edge of her seat completely pulled into the mystery and adventure of the story. It is important to note that the full house theater seldom had a moment not filled with laughter and giggles.
In theaters March 4th
