[REVIEW] ‘Zootopia’ Hops above the Rest 

NATURAL ENEMIES — Zootopia’s first bunny officer Judy Hopps finds herself face to face with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia.” Featuring the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy and Jason Bateman as Nick, “Zootopia” opens in theaters on March 4, 2016. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

2015 marked the first year in almost a decade without a release from Walt Disney Animation Studios. But luckily with

Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a bright-eyed bunny who dreams of joining the Zootopia police department. Despite prejudice from those around her, through hard work she overcomes and becomes the squad’s first bunny cadet. However, due to a boss who stereotypes her for her size, she gets assigned to write parking tickets all day long as a glorified meter maid–not quite what the job she’d been working for all her life. Still, she puts on a grin and bears it, doing the best she can, but still yearns to make the world a better place by stopping bad guys. One day, she stumbles on a clue to a case, and with the help of a sly, con artist fox, Nick (Jason Bateman), the two embark on a mission to discover why a large group of mammals have gone missing across the city.

Zootopia has everything you’ve come to expect from a Disney animated film–great characters, fantastic story, hilarious moments, twist and turns–however, the biggest delight in this film is the fact that it’s a buddy cop, mystery story. Judy is fearlessly optimistic about the new world of Zootopia, while Nick is a hardened Zootopia old timer who tries to put her in her place. Because of this, once they do start working together, Judy and Nick end up contrasting each other quite nicely.

ZOOTOPIA – Pictured: Judy Hopps. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

One of the highlights of the film is the expansive city itself, as Judy and Nick bounce from one location to another. There’s Tundratown where all the arctic animals dwell to Sahara Square to even an underground lair of a mob boss. There suburbs and accommodations for the smallest of rodents to the tallest of giraffes. The film’s visuals are so clever that you’ll find yourself chuckling at almost everything you see. While there are pop-culture references (there’s even a pop star named Gazelle steals the airwaves), everything feels appropriate and natural for this modern animal metropolis.

The film has a wonderful, and timely, message about prejudice, acceptance, and tolerance. Although the animals have shred their feral ways and now are living peacefully in the city, in the back of some former prey animals’ heads is fear of their former predators. Also from the first few scenes, we see how the deck is stacked against Judy, since bunnies are not destined for the police force. Even Nick has to overcome societies perceptions that foxes are sly and not to be trusted. Each character you meet is complex and struggles with their own insecurities, making

Whatever your weekend plans are this weekend, cancel them and go see

. Whether you are young or old, single or taken, mammal or reptile, this film has something for everyone and will undoubtedly be yet another classic in the Disney canon.

I loved it! Easily my favorite of the recent Disney CG films, and I appreciate that Disney didn’t back down from tackling some heavier subject matter with the movie. We need more animated films that are this fearless!!!

I can’t wait to see it!!!! 😀 😀 Also, how was the voice-acting? I <3 Ginnifer!

I haven’t watched it but from what I’ve heard the voice acting is great!

I thought they did a awesome job with casting. I’ve seen a lot of praise for Ginnifer, and I thought Jason Bateman was just as great.

It was a great movie. I loved how it had a message without beating you over the head with it.

I loved the villain in this movie: oh my goodness was the villain a mastermind!

If Frozen and Big Hero 6 hasn’t convinced you that we are truly in a new Golden Age of Disney Animation, then Zootopia is the film that will. In fact Zootopia made my top 5 Disney films which in my list, is now filled with this new Revival Era. The build up since Bolt really is a testament to this movie.

Big Hero 6 is one the worst films Disney has produced in a while. A very big disappointment after all their recent creativity.

I am so happy that this is getting amazing reviews, definitely gonna check it tomorrow and it’ll be nice after a hard week of school!

So when is Disney making a live action remake?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Disney did it again. It turned a movie I initially had no interest in into a masterpiece. Such a clever, clever movie with lots of funny moments and unexpected twists. The theater was packed and you could tell everyone had a blast, kids AND adults. I just came back from the theater, and I had a wonderful time.

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