Zootopia Review

Zootopia came out this Tuesday on DVD, so I thought I'd review it for you. If you haven't seen it yet, don't worry, I won't spoil it.

Zootopia

A city where anyone can be anything. Sounds perfect, right? But like anything, this supposed metropolis utopia is more complicated than it sounds.

The story follows the bunny Judy Hops (Ginnifer Goodwin), who has a dream of becoming a cop. Most cops are big, tough animals like big cats, elephants, and bulls. But in spite of everything she succeeds. Just to be put on parking duty. There she meets a world-wise, reprobate fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). After being given a case of animals going savage and 48 hours to solve it, she searches out Nick to help her. Their investigation brings to light some surprising things and they must hurry to stop the villain before more animals are hurt.

Like many Disney films, this is a masterpiece of plot, characters, and themes. While being a fun, epic mystery, it is also a message about belief and discrimination. The city of Zootopia as well as the characters are beautifully designed. There are buildings of all types in the mixed environment city. The animals are all the right sizes and even walk like the animals, albeit, on two feet. And all this is set to an awesome soundtrack.

Judy is the most determined person, or bunny, ever. Everyone around her tells her she can't be a cop, she can't solve the case, she can't do anything- but she ignores them. Even when she is given 48 hours and no help to solve a case the police haven't solved in weeks, she tries her best. Naysayers surround her but she fully believes she can be anything. And Nick. Despite his apparent negative outlook on the world, you come to find out he was a bullied little kid who dealt with it by choosing to never let anyone get to him again.

The story tactfully deals with the theme of discrimination in a way children can see and understand. It reminds me of the problems African American faced in the 1950's. Animals who are predators, specifically foxes in this story, are bullied, refused service, and warned against.

And of course it wouldn't be Disney without a multitude of jokes, for kids and adults (like sloths running the DMV). Even if you're a grown-up, you'll enjoy this adventurous tale. There are also easter eggs hidden throughout the film, like when a thief is selling DVD's which are spoofs on Disney titles.

In short, this is a great film. Some of the more intense scenes with savage animals might scare younger children, so be warned. I give it five stars. 

Have you seen Zootopia yet? What was your opinion of it? Tell me in the comments, I'd love to know.