Review of Zootopia (2016) by Jason R — 21 Jun 2017

In 2016, a year when it was still thought that there was far more acceptance than hate, Zootopia brilliantly put together a piece of animation that shows an animal world not all that different from our own, complete with the social issues, granted between former predators and prey, as opposed to our problems of skin color and religion.

The best way to see this world was through the hopeful eyes of Judy Hops, and her belief that she could change the world, and that Zootopia was this amazing, perfect place. Drop in a con artist sidekick, and you've got the levity to her unwavering perkiness.

The message stays out there through the entire film, as Judy's hopefulness and country naivete are integral to the proper development of the story. It's all fine and well for a while, even despite a sarcastic back and forth relationship between Judy and the Fox, Nick, who eventually grows on her and the audience as we learn more about him, and as the experience of his adventure changes him.

The movie zips by, has plenty of nuggets for the adults, and a number of fun moments to entertain the littlest of kids. We can see our reflections in this movie, and it hopes to show us that we're not all that different, and that we should have hope to get along. It's a fine thing, and something that our kids could hopefully learn, and maybe one day use as a way to change the world. If little Judy Hops can do it, why can't anybody?