Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2 is playing in theaters at the time of writing. Rated PG. Common Sense says 8+
Judy Hopps (Ginfer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now partners on the Zootopia Police force. After finding evidence of snakes - a species not seen in Zootopia for 100 years - they need to figure out why they’ve returned.
STORY: A-
A perfect sequel script.
The film gives us everything we loved from the first film, but it also expands in interesting new areas that never venture too far away from familiar territory. It’s different enough to feel fresh while familiar enough to still feel like a “Zootopia” movie.
PEOPLE: B
All your old friends and a few new ones.
Bateman and Goodwin evoke the snappy repartee of classic 1940s cinema. Their chemistry is contagious.
Ke Huy Quan’s empathetic, curious tone is perfect for Gary de Snake and makes it easy for the audience to cheer for him. Andy Samberg and Fortune Feimster are comfortable doing what they always do: delivering lots of laughs.
FILM NERD STUFF: A-
A whole new world.
We dive deeper into the city of Zootopia this time around. We stroll (and sprint!) through new neighborhoods. Every sign outside every shop, every physical landmark, and every throwaway line from each passerby on the sidewalk is a rich pun.
Through meticulous attention to detail, the art design immerses us into a fantastic and fascinating animal metropolis.
ONE BIG LESSON: A
A film by Everybody.
That’s what the title card says at the end of the film, a moment where the director typically gets to see his or her name blazed across the screen. Extending the film’s creation to everybody is a touching gesture that reemphasizes the film’s themes.
Even if when we seem different - even when we are different - we still generally want the same things. The film says that together we can achieve them.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Director Jared Bush and his team have given us a sequel worthy to the excellent, original film. The film touches on weighty topics that will likely sail over youngsters’ heads. But those ideas, along with dozens of clever film allusions, will keep parents interested while their kids giggle, squeal and delight in the wild, non-stop hijinks. It’s a perfect Thanksgiving weekend family film.