Movie Reviews

Is 'Zootopia' a wild time? - 3/5/16

Walt Disney Studios is well known for making animated masterpieces, and movies that use anthropomorphic animals are commonly seen as the perfect film trope for kids, but imagine my surprise when Disney's latest animated product, 'Zootopia,' starring Jennifer Goodwin and Jason Batemon, uses cute and cuddly animals with collared shirts and pressed jeans to tackle some serious social issues that adults are still trying to resolve. But does this film successfully show how we should Try Everything, or should it be collared and muzzled? Well...

The Plot: Being the first ever rabbit to be admitted into the police force, Judy Hopps (Gennifer Goodwin), dreams of being the best cop she can be and making a difference in her dream city: Zootopia, where all types of animals coexist peacefully. However, Judy's 'utopia' isn't all that she thought it would be. With a biased system in the city, fellow policeman that don't expect much from her, and an underlying conspiracy threatening to tear the city apart, Judy must muster her courage and, with the help of a sly, hustling fox (Jason Batemon), save the city.

I'll be honest, aside from the talking animal gimmick, the film's plot can be seen as a little cliched for cop movies, and some choices that the movie makes can be seen ahead of time if you know how to look for them. Not to say this isn't a bad thing; Disney seems to be aware of these facts, and embraces them....or at least, make self-referential jokes about them, and the company itself. You're still able to enjoy the movie, and that's because the main point of the movie isn't the plot, but the themes and messages that appear throughout it, which I dare not spoil. Viewers will be downright shocked that a Disney movie of all things tackles some of the more serious issues that plague society.

The Characters: The supporting cast for this film is a good one. Actors like J. K. Simmons, Idris Elba, Nate Torrence, and Jenny Slate all do great jobs with what they're given, but I can't help but wonder if these actors where just here to make the roster look a little more star-studded. Again, they all do a great job, but some of the roles seem like bit parts, much too small for some of these big names. However, one of the best elements of the film has to be the almost unorthodox chemistry that's shared between leads Goodwin and Bateman. The way their characters Judy and Nick always try to one-up each other is a big source of laughs throughout the movie. And when things get serious between the pair, it really leaves an impression on the audience. One last cast member of special significance would be the idol/singer Shakira, who plays the idol Gazelle in the movie, and is the voice behind the film's signature song, 'Try Everything.' Again, I hope Disney didn't add her to the roster to make it shine more, but Shakira does a good job with what she's given.

The Animation: Since it's Disney, you know you can expect a GREAT looking movie. And 'Zootopia' does not disappoint in the slightest. The textures of the buildings, the lighting and shading, and even the way the background characters, let alone the main cast, look and move is simply mind-boggling. Props to the animation team who invested so much effort into this movie. Even the business suits on the little lemmings chewing on pawpsicles look sharp, and they're to scale. (That means they're really really, tiny.) There is something in every frame of animation to catch your eye.

Final Verdict: I have no doubt in my mind that kids will enjoy this film, and adults will certainly have something to think about, after they finish laughing at the rats in wedding attire parodying 'The Godfather.' No, I'm serious, they really do that.

Grade: A-