Film Review: Zootropolis 2

Walt Disney Animation Studios is very well known for its musicals, and recent franchises have included Moana and Frozen. Sometimes forgotten, Disney is also known for their adventure films which are equally memorable and they decided to create a sequel to one of their recent hits with Zootropolis 2, as it is known here in the United Kingdom. The first film is widely regarded as a modern classic. It explored themes of racism and segregation between the prey and predators that the film discussed. Telling this kind of story gave the film an edge that other animated films hadn’t done before. It was topical, relevant and helped educate younger audiences not to judge on appearances. Adults and children loved it and now we’re here talking about Zootropolis 2.

Following on from the first film, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, voiced again by Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin, are now partners in crime. They’re both officers of the law and they find themselves in the middle of another conspiracy. Reptiles are not allowed in Zootropolis and have been outlawed for many years, yet a snake sighting begins to unravel secrets and mysteries surrounding the creation of the weather walls surrounding Zootropolis. This story follows another modern issue with immigration and land ownership being two of the key themes that the film expresses, but doing so in an entertaining way but enough to influence the minds of younger audiences that we shouldn’t always believe what we’re told. Sounds a bit like fake news as well, doesn’t it?

The voice cast from the first film all return with some new favourites. Ke Huy Quan voices Gary De’Snake, who is the catalyst for the story. Andy Samberg, David Straitham, Patrick Warburton and many more join the star-studded voice cast. You may think the film has too many characters and yes it does but it never feels overwhelming. It makes the story more fleshed out and the world bigger and more immersive. There are so many recognisable voices in the film that the voice credits had to be split into two. The amount of easter eggs and influences this film has also causes a lot of smiles and laughter too. From funny gags from hungry hippo’s to nods and sound cues to some classic films that are not part of the Disney family. There is something fun for everyone, of any age.

There is a lot of humour and fun in the film but there is also a sense of dread and suspense too. You never know who to trust or who the bad guy is and who the good guy is. The story takes the characters to Marsh Town, to the Desert District and many other unexplored places that the world has to offer. The film really opens the world up in a variety of ways and it will take several re-watches before you pick up on every detail and every easter egg. That is what makes this film fun and engaging, there is so much going on that you forget so much. It is rare to have a Disney sequel match the first film in terms of quality but it appears they managed that with Zootropolis 2. It is one Disney film that succeeds and surpasses a lot of what made the first film special.

★★★★★

5/5

Final Verdict:

Zootropolis 2 has warmth, humour and heaps of fun. From start to finish the story never lets down. Mysteries, conspiracies and hijinks galore, the film has everything. Nick Wilde and Judy Hoops are two very different types of characters but their friendship is what makes their characters work so well and that is what provides the film a lot of its best moments. Their chemistry feels like Disney magic, and their adventure to solve the mystery surrounding Zootropolis’ past is equally engaging and entertaining. The animation is stunning, the visuals are engrossing and story is heavily character-driven. Adults and children will love it all and this is one Disney film that deserves to be considered another modern classic.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions