'Zootopia' - GRRRRReat!!!!
Every so often, I make a big blunder when it comes to movies. Normally. I don't make snap judgements based on a trailer or even the subject of a film, no matter how bad it may seem, I do try and get to it. I made a big, BIG, mistake with 'Zootopia'. There was just something about the trailer that just did not appeal to me, I was reluctant to go. Thank goodness for the $5 Tuesday deal at Marcus Theaters, it gave me the incentive to go, after all, why not, it's only $5!
Well, as it turns out, 'Zootopia' was the best $5 dollars spent in quite some time. And while I am quite sure this review is a bit late to the party, my hope (with school letting out) is that you all may treat yourselves and your kids to a night (or day) at the movies before this excellent feature is gone.
'Zootopia' is a brilliant, funny story that is equal parts entertainment for kids & adults as well as an artfully crafted morality tale on empowerment, bias and understanding. Don't let the cute, cartoon characters fool you (like I did), even the kids will recognize the concepts of prejudice, stereotyping and inner strength in this positively uplifting story.
In the thriving city of Zootpia, Predators and Prey have evolved into a species that all work together in harmony; but despite the harmonious world they have, many of the residents are still pigeonholed (pun intended) holed into typical stereotypical types. 'Sly like a fox', 'Cute as a bunny' - are just some of the stereotypes that end up being bullied. Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) is a bunny that longs to be a police officer; she knows what it is liked to be bullied and told that bunnies cannot be police officers. But despite the odds against her, Judy survives the training and graduates top of her class.
As a part of his diversity effort, Mayor Lionheart (voice of J.K. Simmons) forces Chief Bogo (voice of Idris Elba) to assign her to duty. Doubting her abilities, since she is a bunny, Bogo assigns her to parking duty. Judy has a keen sense of justice, and she wants to ensure that all animals are treated equally under the law. It is here that she meets Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), a con-artist fox, who not only teaches her about being street-smart by conning her, but also gives her a lesson about pre-conceived notions.
Kids will love the story as well as animation. There is just enough kid-like references to keep the most antsy in their seats and enough adult references to keep Mom & Dad entertained. References to 'The Godfather' and 'Breaking Bad' are so sly that I found myself smiling from ear to ear. The dialogue and character development was outstanding, just the type you would expect from any non-animated film. Midway through, I actually forgot I was watching an animated feature.
Like most Disney features these days, the animation itself is stellar. Filled with rich and almost 3D looking scenary, it is by far one of Disney's finest. An 'A+' effort that I should have seen sooner and will most likely see again! Give this it's moment in a theater before it's gone!