Review of Zootopia (2016) by Carfan1999 — 11 Aug 2016

I wasn't expecting much from Zootopia. All of the hype for 2016 was for Moana and Pixar's Finding Dory. However, the trailers looked promising and Disney is known for talking animal movies; from the decently good Robin Hood to the rather poor Chicken Little. Then the first critic reviews came in, saying this was a masterpiece and the best Disney film since The Lion King. So I went into the theater with high hopes and wasn't disappointed at all. In fact, Zootopia is the best Disney animated film in 20+ years and stands tall with the greatest of great Disney classics. Why is this? The story, animation, and characters rock!

Starting with the animation, it is extremely detailed and simply beautiful. The city is a mix of old and new structures and through clever ways, is able to accommodate mammals from the smallest mouse to the tallest giraffe. All the animal characters are expertly designed and are lovable to the point where you wish you could hug their fur. Unlike other anthropomorphic animal movies where the animals were basically humans with fur on top, the animals here are a perfect blend with both human and natural characteristics. Like humans, these characters wear cloths (except shoes), walk upright, and live very human lives. Like real animals, these mammals are their respective sizes, live in their respective climates, and keep some of their natural looks/ characteristics. Both of the main characters; Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde; are quite memorable, imperfect, and complex. Even the side characters, such as Police Chief Bogo, Officer Clawhauser, and Flash all play an important part to the story and are lovable themselves.

Speaking of the story; that was the most shocking part of the film. What starts out as a simple buddy cop detective story turns into a complex, Pixar- esque commentary on stereotyping, race relations, fear mongering, the media, drugs, social privilege, point of view, relationships, and bigotry. Like modern day America, this society has cultural issues that are kept under the rug until exposed. When exposed, all hell breaks loose and the city must learn how to come together and resolve their species (racial) issues. This message isn't new, but the fact that Disney took it on in full force shows the risk they took. The story and theme are presented in a non- preachy manner, stays neutral, and is rather realistic. Instead of the message being "stop stereotyping now", it is "let's acknowledge there is problem and work towards a solution". It is very realistic to the way we think and doesn't present a clear solution, leaving that to the audience to think for themselves. Not to mention the excellent comedy that's woven in to keep the tone perfectly balanced between its laugh- out- loud moments and more serious themes. It is simply inspiring.

Sadly Zootopia, like its titular city, isn't a perfect movie. The pacing is uneven in areas as the jokes go by too quickly and the more dramatic moments too slowly. Do to some pop culture elements, it isn't as timeless as other Disney/ Pixar movies. In addition, the anti- stereotyping message is a little muddled as some of the animal stereotypes are true. (sloths are slow,etc.) Overall, the 55th Disney animated film in 79 years is a near- masterpiece with an uplifting important story about prejudice, lovable characters, and top- notch animation.