The bustling, colorful world of Zootopia is back in “Zootopia 2,” a surprisingly thoughtful sequel to the 2016 animated film. There’s a bit more substance to this second installment in terms of character development, story, and animation quality, and it’s one of the better family films of the year.
This time around, rabbit Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and fox Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) are officially partners in the police force. But of course, being partners isn’t all smooth sailing. Their relationship hits some bumps when they get involved in a new case: a mysterious snake named Gary De’Sanke (voice of Ke Huy Quan) shows up in town, and what seems like a simple investigation quickly spirals into a full-blown conspiracy. The wealthy Lynxley family is trying to cover up past crimes against reptiles by stealing a historical journal about the city’s weather walls, and somehow Judy and Nick get framed as fugitives. That means our heroes have to go on the run, clear their names, and uncover secrets about Zootopia’s history, all while keeping their partnership intact.
One of the best things about this sequel is how it develops the characters. Judy is still the brave, idealistic rabbit we all know and love, but we see more of her struggles, vulnerabilities, and determination when things get really complicated. Nick also gets more depth, showing not just his cleverness and humor, but loyalty, heart, and the growing trust between his partner. Their dynamic is the heart of the film, mixing funny moments with more tense situations, and it really works.
Like the first movie, this one also has a lot of important messages about equality, empathy, and looking beyond stereotypes. It shows how some animals (or of course people, metaphorically) can be seen as more powerful or more important than others, and how misunderstandings and prejudice can create problems in society. The film does a great job showing that trust, communication, and teamwork are key to building alliances, even between very different characters. It’s a story that’s fun and exciting, but also smart and meaningful. The messaging seems fundamental yet also timely.
The animation is fantastic and vividly realized. Every corner of Zootopia looks alive and detailed, from the busy city streets to the secret locations where the mystery unfolds. Goodwin and Bateman are just as great as ever, capturing both the humor and the heart of their characters. I think it helps that neither of the voice actors are mega-stars, which makes the casting feel so perfect. The writing, direction, and storytelling all come together to make a movie that’s fast-paced, funny, and emotionally satisfying.
The film is peppered with exciting action sequences, suspense, and comedy. There are dozens of clever visual gags that will appeal to kids as well as adults, and the film’s themes of empathy, fairness, and always striving to do the right thing are expressed with a refreshing earnestness that never comes across as preachy.
“Zootopia 2” is a fantastic follow-up to the original. It develops the characters, expands the world, and delivers an exciting story that’s fun for kids but smart enough for finicky adults. With its mix of mystery, humor, skilled animation, and positive messages, it’s a movie that entertains as well as inspires.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 