This article contains spoilers for “Zootopia 2.”
Almost 10 years after the original “Zootopia’s” release, detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde return to crack another case. But how does their comeback land with these Hustler staffers? Here’s what we thought.
Skyelor DeLoach (8/10 stars)
Going into the movie theater to see “Zootopia 2” with my mom and sister, I was honestly just excited to watch a kids’ movie, eat some popcorn and distract myself from the impending doom of my final exam next week. But, this Disney sequel had a lot more to it than meets the eye.
In “Zootopia 2,” Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde get caught up in another mystery when they discover scales in the city, even though “reptiles have not stepped foot in Zootopia in 100 years.” The pair soon uncover that the story behind the city’s Weather Walls is not what it seems. The supposed inventor of the walls, Ebenezer Lynxley, actually stole the creation from Agnes De’Snake and then framed her for murder, resulting in the snakes and other reptiles of Zootopia being kicked out.
The film has the same charm and humor as the original while expanding the city with fun details and deeper world-building. It even kept my mom laughing throughout our time in the theater. The pacing was great; it didn’t feel rushed, and it wasn’t too long either. It was the perfect length to keep me engaged the whole time.
What surprised me the most was how heartfelt the film was. There was a moment between Judy and Nick that genuinely brought tears to my eyes. Throughout the movie, Judy and Nick bickered about whether or not they should help Gary, Agnes’ great-grandchild, who returned to Zootopia to clear her name. In this scene, Nick finally reveals that he did not want to help Gary because he did not want anything to happen to Judy. Their partnership perfectly captures the kind of vulnerability that goes into real friendships.
To me, this film can be interpreted as touching on a number of different social issues. It continues to convey prejudice and stereotypes as we see how the reptiles in Zootopia became outcasts. The expansion of Tundratown, subsequent destruction of Marsh Market and the erasing of reptile culture are strikingly pertinent today. Through Judy, the story shows how individuals can make a real difference in the world, even when we think we are powerless to do so. With its serious undertones, the film is great at revealing its social commentary while keeping it lighthearted for children.
Overall, “Zootopia 2” was exciting, honest and surprisingly relevant. It reminded me that Disney can make cute, animated movies that also touch on real-world issues. My mom, my sister and I all walked out of the theater with smiles on our faces and high praise for “Zootopia 2.”
Elena Parisi (9/10 stars)
I watched “Zootopia 2” with a friend at the end of Thanksgiving break and left the theater feeling highly entertained. Although it certainly is not the top release of the year, “Zootopia 2” is a solid children’s movie that measures up fairly well to the original.
In my opinion, the first “Zootopia” film has one of the most interesting and well-thought-out plots of any Disney movie, and I was curious to see how they would continue the plot in the second movie. The original did not set up a sequel, so the main conflicts of “Zootopia 2” are completely new and unconnected to the first movie. That being said, the transition between the two was seamless. “Zootopia 2” begins by rehashing the conclusion of the first movie, picking up right where it left off with Nick newly graduated from police school and partnered up with Judy.
The main conflict of the movie revolves around the unjust expulsion of reptiles from Zootopia by the Lynxley family, evil lynxes who rule Tundra Town. One of the best parts of this movie is how it serves as a social commentary about discrimination and corruption, underneath all the cuteness and hilarity of a children’s movie about an animal city.
The deeper message of the film centers on difference. In theory, the Weather Walls allow animals to overcome their differences by letting creatures from all biomes live in harmony in a single city. But in reality, differences cause serious conflict. The police force considers Judy and Nick, a bunny and fox, to be unsuitable partners, as all other police partners are members of the same species. This contributes to their fighting and eventual heart-to-heart.
Additionally, reptiles are considered too different to belong in Zootopia. The Lynxely family uses this difference to justify freezing Reptile Village and kicking the reptiles out. We learn that the family’s motives are to take over this land themselves, expanding their influence. Just like in the original “Zootopia,” we see how corrupt politicians use differences to sow division and fear that allows them to gain more power. This underlying theme likely comments on racism and seems particularly relevant in today’s political climate.
Another wonderful aspect of the movie was how it stayed true to the Zootopia we grew to love in the original movie. The visuals of the massive urban center remain gorgeous, as do the stunning shots of the various tundras, deserts and marshlands of the city. Additionally, “Zootopia 2” reintroduces many lovable minor characters from the original, such as Clawhauser, Mr. Big, Flash and Gazelle (albeit with a lower quality Shakira song).
The movie also contains a ton of easter eggs referencing other famous Disney movies. For instance, during a chase scene, Judy and Nick knock the hat off of a chef, revealing Remy from “Ratatouille” controlling his cooking. Additionally, while meeting with Jesús the lizard, Nick and Judy are forced to eat worms, just like Simba in “The Lion King.” We also see a movie poster for “Tangled” featuring actor and now-Zootopia Mayor Winddancer, and a poster for “Hamilton,” featuring a pig as the founding father. These little references add some fun and nostalgia for long-time Disney fans.
Overall, “Zootopia 2” is a highly enjoyable children’s movie with a hidden message that is sure to leave viewers entertained and thinking deeply. Although Disney could not top the incredible plot of the original movie, “Zootopia 2” comes pretty close.
