There is something about Zootopia that marks it as a standout and remarkable film, even years after its initial release in 2016.
Critics have long praised the movie for its simplistic yet poignant portrayals of prejudice and how it affects the two main characters on separate yet similar levels. Zootopia is bold in its portrayal of racism within a police system as well as the dangerous effect of stereotypes and profiling. While it is remembered for these daring observations hidden within a fairly simple plot, it will always be important to me for separate reasons. Upon the release of Zootopia, I was an eight-year-old struggling with confidence as well as confusing matters beyond my control; for me, it is remembered as the movie that brought my spark back. Judy taught me bravery in the face of ordinary struggles as well as impossible situations, which inspired my new inner mantra: “Be brave like Judy.” Naturally, when I found out a second Zootopia movie was to be released, I gathered some of my closest friends and dragged them to the cinema with me to see if this new installment would live up to the personal significance of the first.Â
The Movie Experience.
Picking up where the first movie left off, the film opens on the two protagonists adjusting to their new positions on the police force. As always, Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) is eager to prove herself worthy, while her sly partner Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) is still learning the ropes of the ZPD. While the first movie saw the pair attempting to solve their very first case together, the main conflict of the second movie centers around the two learning how to work as a team and sort out their differences. Their plight in understanding each other is further complicated by the introduction of Gary De’Snake, played by actor Ke Huy Quan. Upon introduction, Quan’s character is presumed to be the first ever snake in Zootopia, however it is later revealed that it was not always that way. In fact, Gary’s existence within the film serves to promote an important message about the reality of cultural eradication. While the predecessor film was mostly focused on racism, the plot of the second movie mirrors the real-life harm done by colonization and gentrification. Zootopia 2 simplifies these harsh yet realistic conflicts through the story of the Lynxleys, and how their expansion of TundraTown has eradicated any possible homes for reptiles in Zootopia. In many ways, the actions of the Lynxley family bear a similar resemblance to the colonization and planned eradication of indigenous peoples in the Americas. Like many indigenous groups, the culture of the snake population in Zootopia has been completely erased, and many of their accomplishments and traditions have been accredited to privileged mammal families. While the intentionality of this connection is still unconfirmed, the release of a movie that preaches the acceptance and protection of authentic culture from government corruption is a bold movie for Disney to push just before Thanksgiving. Additionally, the movie echoes many important points about privilege and the desperation with which those in power cling to their significance. The perpetrators of this concept are the aforementioned Lynxley family and the often surprising character of Pawbert, as played by Andy Samberg. The Lynxley’s connection to the mayor of Zootopia becomes a way to exercise their means of expanding privilege and prejudice, which can be an important warning to be wary of extragovernmental influences. Overall, Zootopia presents these heavier themes and topics through the lens of a funny, enjoyable story that the whole family can watch together.Â
Critical Reception.
Currently branded with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, Zootopia 2 lags just behind its predecessor’s raw score of 98%, but obtains mostly positive reviews. Many have praised Zootopia 2 for its handling of social issues as well as its emphasis on the chemistry between the two main characters, with one reviewer even claiming it has the heart that has long been bereft from Disney feature films. Other reviewers complain about the film coming on too strongly with its themes or even a lack of soul within its animation. While I can understand the many criticisms that this movie has racked up since its release, I still stand by my initial ranking of five stars, due to the content of the story as well as the movie theater experience it provided. When I went with a group of friends to see Zootopia 2, the theater had no set demographic for the film. While we were the only group of college-aged kids in there, the audience also sported a middle school friend group, parents with their children, assorted adults, and the like. Despite the many differences in age and maturity in this theater, many of the jokes and crucial moments of the film were lost on no one. Even with all the love I initially had for this franchise, I am surprised to say that this was my favorite movie theater experience of this year so far. The shock and excitement of being one of the first audiences to watch the movie definitely contributed to the many laughs and gasps, but it was also due to the generally enjoyable content of the movie. Going in, I had my reservations about Zootopia 2 being an installment that was catered towards younger children, but the humor within the story ranged from creative and edgy to borderline adult. Overall, the film’s nuanced themes and heartwarming storylines attracted a multi-generational audience that continues to prove the necessity of film and its reach.Â
Closing When I was eight years old, I left the movie theater feeling sad that Zootopia was over, but also, unexpectedly inspired. It made me want to make waves and even create positive change. At eighteen years old, I left the theater feeling the exact same way, but this time knowing a younger version of me would be proud. And for me, that remains to be the most beautiful thing about Zootopia 2, as well as cinema in general.