Justin and I saw Zootopia on March 5, 2016! It's been a weak 2016 as far as movies go thus far, but I finally found the 1st movie I actually enjoyed this year. Every year there is usually one animated movie that I really enjoy. In year's past it's been Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, and Inside Out. Zootopia is a smart movie that caters to both children and adults that incorporate current themes of racism and sexism and acceptance from society, while giving us a fantastic story with good twists and turns.
Zootopia is a world where only animals exist. Predators and prey live in harmony. You are free to be whatever you want to be. If you have a dream, go out and take it. We follow Judy Hopp's dream to become the first bunny police officer. Judy represents females in society. We watch her navigate her way through negative attitudes from peers telling her she'll never make it, but her determination to prove everybody wrong is amazing to watch. She also represents prey. Nick Wild is a sly fox who has been pulling off schemes for most of his life. He ultimately represents minorities in society, as well as predators. Natural enemies their whole life simply because of how they were born, it's interesting to watch the interactions with Judy and Nick early on. Judy is determined to solve a big case of 14 missing animals to prove to Chief Bogo that she is a real officer. Nick assists Judy on her journey based on incriminating evidence she has on him.
The journey that Judy and Nick take to solve this case allows us to explore the beautiful world created in this movie. Each section of Zootopia is different in terms of climate and population. We watch Judy and Nick's friendship grow and we watch as Judy and Nick both realize they possess characteristics of both predator and prey. This is a great message for adults and children: No matter the differences they possess, when it comes right down to it, they're both animals. I really like that, and I think the dialogue between them was really well done. Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin did really well with the characters. Both were clever in their own ways, and each used their intellect to take one step closer to solving the mystery.
The twists and turns the audience encounters in this movie are well done. The most unsuspecting character ends up being behind the conspiracy. I thought the villain's stance made perfect sense as well. It takes a look at politicians and people in higher positions using fear to gain more power. The cunning wit of Nick and Judy was tremendous and really made us applaud the conclusion of their journey. Each twist and turn was designed to not only build up Nick and Judy's friendship, but it was also designed to show that the ordinary citizen can make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. We feel real emotion for the characters, as Zootopia delivers great drama. It also delivers genuine humor (particularly in a DMV scene with three-toed sloths).
I give this movie a definite 5/5 for incredible, well developed characters in Judy Hopp & Nick Wilde, tremendous work by the voice actors, a beautiful, original world filled with colors and opportunity, and a solid storyline that keeps the audience guessing as we follow Judy and Nick on their journey. I highly recommend this. It was the 1st movie I truly enjoyed in 2016.
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