Zootropolis 2

Zootopia 2 restores Disney animation to its former glory with a high quality sequel that plays to the exact same strengths as the original but doesn't repeat itself thematically. This is another really funny and fast paced adventure where Nick Wilde & Judy Hopps unravel an equally sinister yet more mature conspiracy which goes to the very top, now focused on how the rich use gentrification to expand their ambitions at the expense of those who are different, covering it all up by erasing history with propaganda afterwards.

Ginnifer Goodwin & Jason Bateman are a perfect pairing once again. Their chemistry is faultless and both of them have grown by the end with Ginnifer Goodwin's Judy eventually realising that she doesn't need to always carry the weight of the world on her shoulders and Jason Bateman's Nick has to finally open up by dropping his endless snark for a genuinely affecting moment. Ke Huy Quan playing Gary De'Snake is fantastic casting as the sensitivity he brings is ideal for a character who's designed to go against stereotypes.

Directors Jared Bush & Byron Howard deliver emotionally investing action and the new areas explored makes Zootopia feel even more vibrant, aided by highly detailed animation. Starting this story a week after the first one's narrative ended was a wise choice to avoid missing any character development and there's some hilariously unexpected references to other films as well as so many animal puns. Michael Giacchino's score is easily capable of constantly matching the film's energy and switching things up.

First thing's first: I'm not a paid influencer shill, most of Disney's recent theatrical output has been fairly substandard and Bob Iger's pledge to integrate AI-generated content into his precious little streaming is nothing short of an insult to the human passion and creativity that Walt himself imbued into this company.

With that being said, I quite enjoyed myself here! I would have been happy to just see Nick and Judy again, but fortunately everything that surrounds them is mostly enjoyable, from the immersive world-building to the much-improved comedic timing (Patrick Warburton's horse mayor character is an absolute riot). Other than a few spots it doesn't suffer from that annoying trend in modern movies where it feels like a sterile product made to please the general audience-these characters go through the motions and struggle with themselves in the face of uncertain fate.

Jared Bush clearly gets what the people want.

Zootopia 2 (a follow-up to Zootopia (2016)) follows the cop duo Judy (the do-good bunny) and Nick (the shifty fox) as they navigate their new partnership, make friends along the way, and uncover hidden secrets. But, at what cost???

I just came out of the film, and I thought it was great!

The film picks up right where Zootopia (2016) left off, with Judy and Nick-still semi-fresh from saving the city-now working as a police duo trying to find their footing in the department, all while discovering that things aren't always what they seem. The film does a great job jumping right into the story and action! I think the film's appeal, like the original's, really comes from the mystery, the humor, the character chemistry, and the overall message of accepting others for who they are-all while gearing itself toward kids, families, and a general audience. The film also did a great job expanding the world-building and introducing new characters, all the while keeping me invested and on the edge of my seat. I thought the sequel delivered on all those fronts.

While the mystery was a standout, what truly hooked me was the character development between Judy and Nick. You really get to see more of their partnership here, and the film does a great job showing their different perspectives, the tensions, the needs, and the tougher moments that come with being partners-many of which adults will appreciate more than kids. I found myself just as invested in their relationship as I was in the overarching mystery, and honestly, their relationship really became the highlight of the film for me.

The cast performances were great! Returning voices Ginnifer Goodwin (as Judy, the bunny) and Jason Bateman (as Nick, the fox) both really carried the movie for me. I also loved the new additions of Ke Huy Quan (as the Snake), Andy Samberg (as Pawbert), and Fortune Feimster (the crazy beaver), along with the supporting cast, who all helped elevate the film. The film also brought back a few familiar voices from Zootopia (2016) that were fun additions/callbacks, along with some new cameos. I also thought Shakira's new number, "Zoo," was well done.

My only caveat was that after seeing the trailers, I felt like right at the beginning of the movie I had already guessed the plot, which ended with me not being very satisfied with the payoff. I still got surprised by a twist or two, but for the most part, I felt like the movie was predictable. I also thought the beginning of the film was well written, but near the end, I felt like some of the suspense dissipates due to the delivery being rushed. Saying all that, I still enjoyed the film tremendously!!

As a side note, I think the attention to detail was great-especially the many nods to Disney's own self-awareness. There was a weatherman named Bob Tiger (a nod to Disney's CEO Bob Iger), and a news channel called ZNN (referencing CNN), along with many others. I just thought they were fun pokes at Disney, by Disney.

Overall, Zootopia 2 delivers a good sequel thanks to its story, character development, and humor (it was pun-ny), all wrapped in stunning animation while delivering a great message! I would recommend it for kids, families, and really any viewer alike. And don't fur-get to stay until the end of the credits...

_ *Content: The film does have one LGBTQ+ scene (brief), along with some suggestive material, and light profanity (two vain references to Deity).

Never thought that the sequel would be better than original. Sequel have everything, incredible world expansion (like it's MASSIVE), jokes are funnier and the relationship between Nick and Judy is the best part, also i absolutely love a new characters like Garry, Nibbles, Mayor Winddancer and ofc the Lynxley family (All of them). The movie references was perfect and especially one for an all time horror classic, if you're a fan of the first one ran as fast as you can to see it.

I'm going to be honest, I haven't been impressed with Disney's performance lately. I was concerned that they'd screw this up. My fears were unfounded. It's not common to find a movie which is as much fun to watch as it feels like the cast and crew had making it. Zootopia 2 is a movie about reconciling differences and discusses our modern society without getting preachy. It's a love letter to past Disney films and the art with references and cameos galore.

The pacing was excellent, characters' actions and motives are believable, visuals are excellent, and the humor stands on its own, not having to resort to cheap potty humor. It is also notable that the stakes are raised in this sequel, and the sequel, while it picks up where the first movie left off, is not merely riding on the popularity of the original (like so many sequels and remakes), but matches the original in quality.

This isn't a children's movie, but a true family film, enjoyable by all ages.