Four-and-a-half out of Five
MOVIE REVIEW
KAYLEE BREWSTER Zootopia is much more than the first bunny-buddy-cop-action comedy. It also brings a fresh perspective to animated-animal movies. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is an optimistic and idealist bunny who travels to Zootopia, the animal land of opportunity, to be the first bunny police officer. Not that anyone believes shell be any good. While shes there, animals mysteriously go missing. Judy is on the case, trying to finish the job with the forced help of a sly and cynical fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) before a strict deadline that could end her career. Zootopia has been dominating the box office ever since it opened March 4, and the packed theater means plenty of people are lining up to enter this animal world. Its easy to see why, because this movie has everything: story, characters, animation and a life lesson. The story is easy to follow, even for younger audiences, and its not often you find such an intricate mystery in a kids movie. But its not all serious. There are more than enough laughs and jokes for all ages, and the full theater was constantly busting with laughter. All that clue-finding wouldnt be nearly as fun if we didnt have two lovable characters to lead the way. Judy and Nick couldnt be more different: Their personalities and outlook on the world are polar opposites. The matchup makes for great chemistry and a lot of laughs. Judy and Nick are also perfectly cast with Goodwins upbeat, enthusiastic tone and Batemans dry sarcasm. Not only do the characters have unique personalities and voices, but also looks. The animation in Zootopia is spectacular and creative. Theres a whole world making up Zootopia, from buildings, transportation and stores that fit all the creatures living inside. The look of the bunnies, foxes, yaks, elephants, polar bears, weasels, otters and wolves, is a charming animal/human mashup. That theme carries over to the story line. The characters in Zootopia may be animals, but its all about us humans. The characters have prejudices, stereotypes and fears about other animals and expectations of what they can do and who they are such as all foxes are liars and bunnies cant be cops. However, the lesson delivery doesnt feel preachy; the allegory opens the door for conversation long after you leave the theater. Zootopia is a film thats becoming an endangered genre: a family movie. Kids, teens, parents and grandparents can all find something to enjoy in Zootopia. The entertaining story, fun characters and clever animation combined with a moral thats not in your face makes you want to see it again as soon as its over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWM0ct-OLsM