Movie Review: Zootopia (2016)
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| Zootopia is a fun
visual treat. |
| Disney’s Zootopia is set
in a modern world of anthropomorphic animals, where a young bunny
named Judy Hopps wants to be a police officer. She dreams of
using her role as an officer to
make the world a better place. The problem: there has never
been a bunny police officer before. If you’ve seen the
trailer, you already know that Judy’s police officer dream comes true. But
then, on her first day on the job, Judy is relegated to
meter maid duty. She sets out to prove herself. The Zootopia directors have impressive resumes: Byron Howard directed Bolt (2008) and Tangled (2010), Rich Moore directed Wreck-It Ralph (2012), and co-director Jared Bush worked on Big Hero 6 (2014). Their experience shows in the impressively-crafted Zootopia. First off, Zootopia is a visual treat. There are countless moments that are truly breathtaking, including a scenic train journey where wide-eyed Judy heads into the city while listening to Shakira’s Try Anything; as I watched, I felt my own eyes widen with wonder. These mesmerizing images alone make Zootopia one to see on the big screen. There hasn't been an animated feature so stunning since Disney's Frozen (2013)! The story of Zootopia is compelling enough that it easily took me along for the ride. There are plenty of laughs along the way, even for adults. And there is also more than one plot twist that I didn’t see coming. Unfortunately, one twist was so heavily foreshadowed in the moments before it occurred that, for me, the emotional impact of the scene that followed was lost. The characters in Zootopia were engaging. My favorite was Nick Wilde (a fox voiced by Jason Bateman) who was so likeable that, from his very first appearance on screen, I felt like we were best friends. Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) was also easy to like, but there was one very-emotional scene where I felt aware that she was acting, so much so that I was certain that her character was faking her tears; I was shocked when I realized that they were actually meant to be authentic. The generally-well-written dialogue of Zootopia got a bit preachy about the movie’s anti-prejudice message at times. I wish writers Jared Bush and Phil Johnston had let the rest of the movie speak for itself, which it does. Overall, Zootopia is a fun movie that is an absolute feast for the eyes. The movie will likely draw plenty of toddler and young school-age children with their parents in tow. I think both kids and their adults will have a great time! |
| Jen's grade: B Better than most! |
Zootopia opens in theaters March 4, 2016. Zootopia is rated PG. |
Jen (California, USA)* |
| * Jen attended a complimentary screening of Zootopia. |
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You might also enjoy: Jen's red carpet experience at a Disney movie premiere Jen's movie bucket list Find more of Jen's movie reviews here. |