Zootopia opens at what appears to be a kid’s play, except these aren’t children, they’re baby animals. It’s adorable because they’re a bunch of “kids” and because they’re preforming a play about the history of their kind. It seems these animals weren’t always so highly evolved. They used to be savages, real animals that would tear at each other’s throats, who didn’t wear clothes and who were divided into two groups: predators and prey.
Judy Hopps Ginnifer Goodwin is the star of this play and she explains that while animals may have once been divided, things are different now. Animals have become more sophisticated and they’ve learned to coexist peacefully. They no longer separate themselves into groups, but instead choose to thrive alongside one another. They do business with each other, inhabit the same cities and even go to the same schools.
Judy is one hell of an idealist and because she’s also an adorable kid rabbit, not many take her seriously. Despite this, she intends to be the first bunny ever to become a police officer. For now, Judy lives in a small town in the country, but that changes over time. She works hard to get through school and even makes it through police academy training. Eventually, all her hard work is rewarded with a badge and a uniform. Judy's elated because she's accomplished her goal and excited because she’s been assigned to Zootopia.
Zootopia is the bustling metropolis where folks from small towns go when they have big dreams. It’s also where Judy, after mountains of difficulties, discrimination and hard work, gets to live out her dream. Unfortunately, the excitement doesn’t last long because Judy soon realizes that Zootopia (just like everywhere else in the world) isn’t perfect. Despite her disillusionment, she does her best to cling to her idealistic nature. Zootopia is the story of one bunny who takes on discrimination, organized crime and political corruption in an effort to make the world a better place.
Ginnifer Goodwin is angelic as Judy Hopps. Goodwin gives our heroine heart by way of a little sarcasm and a lot of energy. It’s easy to connect with this cartoon rabbit and a lot of that has to do with Goodwyn’s touching and humorous performance. Her voice is as undeniably cute as Hopps’ tiny, round bunny face, but it’s got just enough sass to keep things interesting. Jason Bateman is excellent in the roll of the Nick the fox. His famous deadpan delivery is exactly what Nick Wilde needed to become more than just Judy’s sidekick and comedic foil.
I sincerely enjoy the look of an animated Disney film. There’s something about it that makes the characters come to life in such a way that their movements and expressions feel truly natural. Byron Howard , Rich Moore (Directors) and Jared Bush (Co-Director) have put together the complete package. They've managed to keep Zootopia fun, exciting, cute and comical while simultaneously tackling topics such as racial discrimination, sexism and corruption. The pitch perfect homage to the Godfather didn’t hurt either. I’m not usually into animated movies, but Zootopia had me fully invested from start to finish.
Zootopia – A
A = Movies this good don’t happen often and If you’re going to watch something, you should watch this. This is exactly what I go looking for when I go to the movies. I trust you’ll enjoy it if you keep an open mind.