©Courtesy of Disney
The most circumstantial fluke discovery amongst novice investigators can unwittingly lead to a significant, unexpected change in society. That journey not only drove the action in the 2016 animated buddy comedy, Zootopia, but also its new sequel, Zootopia 2.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman once again lead the voice ensemble cast for the series’ second entry. Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Idris Elba, Shakira, Patrick Warburton and Quinta Brunson also voice characters in the sequel.
Jared Bush and Byron Howard reunited after working on the first film to direct its successor, which Bush wrote. The duo returned to the series after they won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Zootopia in 2017.
Zootopia 2 picks up a week after the conclusion of its predecessor. Ambitious bunny from the country, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), and her new partner, the street-wise fox Nick Wilde (Bateman), are still basking in the success of cracking their first major case from the original film.
©Courtesy of Disney
Chief Bogo (Idris Elba), the gruff Cape buffalo in charge of Zootopia’s police department, is initially hesitant to encourage the duo to continue working together. Despite their previous success, Judy and Nick are now having trouble finding a connection as official partners, after his graduation from the police academy.
In order to bond more easily, they’re ordered to attend a partners in crisis workshop together. The group is led by trained therapy animal, Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson).
Judy and Nick begin to restore their faith in their partnership when clues emerge about the possible presence of an interloping snake in town. The duo infiltrate the Zootopia Gala, which is hosted by a family of lynxes descended from the city’s founder.
While at the Gala, they discover the presence of Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quanl), the first snake to be seen in Zootopia in decades. After doing more research on Gary, the rookie police officers become the target of a police manhunt, at the bequest of the Lynxley Family. The family wants the public to believe that Gary is the true villain of the fight between reptiles and the rest of the city.
Along the way, Judy and Nick attempt to find Gary. The latter is in hiding as he tries to restoring the reputation of not only his family, but all reptiles in Zootopia.
Walt Disney Animation Studios proves its overall dedication to dazzling visuals, sophisticated humor and genuine emotion with its versatile presentation of Zootopia 2. The sequel’s animation style remains true to its predecessor through its similar colorful palette to the first movie. But infusing the new film with more ambitious lighting emphasizes the production company’s technological development.
Zootopia 2 is the ultimate examination of down-to-earth and relatable protagonists like Judy and Nick. The two always wish to be honorable. They proclaim to also tell the truth about historical events, fight for animals’ diverse beliefs and defend themselves from discrimination.
With its vibrant animation and heartfelt exploration of identity, Zootopia 2 is an entertaining return to a beloved world. The sequel is also a thoughtful continuation of Judy and Nick’s journey. By deepening the partners’ emotional stakes and also introducing new conflicts, the second entry captures the original’s relatable spirit.
The new film balances slapstick humor with sincere social commentary. That blend brings younger viewers on an engaging adventure while giving older audiences meaningful themes to reflect on.
Ultimately, Zootopia 2 reaffirms that courage, empathy and honesty remain the most powerful tools for confronting prejudice. The theme makes the story an honorable follow-up to the original movie. The new film is also a unique, timely story that’s relatable to modern audiences.
©Courtesy of Disney
Overall: A-
Zootopia 2 is now playing in theaters, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
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Here’s the trailer of the film.