WHAT’S IT ABOUT

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2,” detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

MOVIESinMO REVIEW

Nearly ten years have passed since the first Zootopia won an Oscar and changed how people view animated movies that tackle serious issues. That film taught us how to look beyond our fears and biases. Now, Zootopia 2 arrives to continue that conversation. In fact, it feels like it’s just beginning. The story starts off quickly. Judy Hopps, the eager bunny cop with a big heart, and Nick Wilde, the witty fox who used to scam people, have become true partners at the Zootopia Police Department. You’d think everything would go smoothly by now, but their supervisor, Chief Bogo, isn’t sure they work well together. After they mess up a high-speed chase that causes damage worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Bogo breaks them up and puts them in a group therapy session with other cop partners who struggle to get along. This is one of the funniest scenes in the movie because it feels so real, even though the characters are animals. While trying to prove themselves, Judy and Nick sneak into a fancy event called the Zootennial Gala. This event celebrates a hundred years of the weather system that makes Zootopia function. The wealthiest family in the city, the Lynxleys, is showcasing their most prized possession: an old notebook that supposedly shows their ancestor invented the amazing technology. That’s when everything changes. A pit viper named Gary De’Snake crashes the party and steals the notebook. Gary claims his great-grandmother actually created the weather system, but the Lynxleys took credit for it and made up lies to blame her. Now, Gary wants everyone to know the truth and lift the long-standing ban on snakes. What makes this movie effective is that it doesn’t just tell jokes and move on. Filmmakers Jared Bush and Byron Howard weave serious themes about how societies exclude certain groups by spreading fear and false stories. Gary becomes the heart of this adventure. Voiced by Ke Huy Quan, he brings humor, sadness, and hope all at once. By the end of the film, audiences find themselves rooting for him and perhaps seeing snakes in a new light. The animation looks stunning. Every detail shows care and creativity. Whether it’s the fancy buildings in the city or the new swamp marketplace called Marsh Market, everything feels real and lived-in. The filmmakers expand Zootopia by introducing reptiles for the first time, adding new environments and textures that make the world feel larger and richer. There’s even an exciting water-tube chase scene that is visually impressive. The jokes work really well, too. The animal puns and references to things like streaming services called “EweTube” and “HuluZoo” are sure to make you smile. There’s even a scene inspired by The Shining that surprises everyone. What’s impressive is how the movie balances these laughs with genuine emotional moments. The humor doesn’t overshadow the deeper messages, nor does the serious content make the movie heavy or dull. Judy and Nick’s friendship faces new challenges here. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, who voice these characters, still sound great together. Their playful banter reminds fans why they loved them in the first movie. This time, the script pushes them to work through real problems. Judy often moves forward without considering Nick’s feelings, and Nick sometimes hides his true emotions. It’s great to watch as they learn how to be better partners, with a real emotional investment in their success. The supporting cast’s energy shines through in every scene. Quinta Brunson, as the facilitator of the therapy sessions, provides some of the funniest moments. Fortune Feimster, as Nibbles, a conspiracy theorist beaver with a podcast, plays a loyal friend to Judy and Nick. Andy Samberg plays Pawbert, a friendly member of the Lynxley family who doesn’t fit in with his selfish relatives. Even characters from the first movie make brief appearances that delight longtime fans. Michael Giacchino’s music deserves special mention because it gives the film a grand, important feeling. While the score reflects the physical action on-screen, it also helps give you a sense of the emotional experience of each character. The film does offer a more expansive view than what we would normally expect from an animated feature film. Zootopia 2 may not be a perfect film; however, it does have a number of similarities with its predecessor in that it revisits a lot of the same subject matter and concepts as its predecessor did. The plot is still set in an investigative framework with an anti-discrimination topic. With so many celebrity voices in quick cameos, some might think the cast feels too crowded with unnecessary characters. A more focused story without all those minor roles might have been stronger. The film also gets a bit preachy with its message that we are all more alike than different and that understanding takes courage. Sometimes the dialogue about acceptance feels too direct instead of allowing the story to express these ideas through action and character choices. But the movie respects its audience. Kids enjoy the bright colors and funny moments, while adults ponder the deeper themes of identity, communication, and belonging. There are moments in the final act that might surprise viewers with their sincerity. It’s more than entertainment; it’s meant to foster dialogue long after the credits roll. The very fact that Zootopia 2 focuses on its message of the importance of individual bravery for societal progress makes it all the more relevant at this time. The film reminds us that social change can only happen when we confront our preconceptions of fear and choose bravery instead. This is a bold message from a major studio, and the filmmakers don’t shy away from it. The movie also deserves credit for making Gary De’Snake the emotional center of the story. He could have just been a plot device, but he’s a fully developed character who can make you laugh, break your heart, and ultimately change how you view the entire world of the movie. That’s powerful filmmaking. The sequel to Zootopia is a sequel that is worthy of the animated classic. While it expands upon the existing universe of Zootopia, it does not stray far from what originally made this film so beloved. Children will love this movie, but it is also thought-provoking for adults. The best part about Zootopia 2 is that Disney Animation continues to make films with substance and enjoyment. This is a rare combination these days, and it is certainly worth celebrating.

OUR RATING – A ZOOTOPIA PD 8