SPOILER-FREE MOVIE REVIEW
Zootopia is the latest release from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
It tells the tale of young Judy Hopps who wants to be a cop in the city of Zootopia (where all animals live in harmony) in order to make the world a better place.
Of course, the movie is much, much more than just that.
From the get-go, we know that this movie is significantly deeper in plot, themes and story than what you expected as you walk into the hall.
We are introduced to the film's protagonist - the lively, very intelligent, never-say-die bunny rabbit Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) who, despite her tiny stature, wants to be a police officer.
Her character was so well fleshed-out and all-rounded. She was very interesting, funny, and carried the whole "underdog" persona extremely well.
Along the way, she meets the stereotypically sly fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who is also a very interesting character. He's very cunning, very sneaky and he shows some very realistic vulnerability as well.
Speaking of stereotypes, this movie addresses that extremely well.
Zootopia covers these themes of stereotyping - where individuals end up getting looked down upon because of their species or their stature. It's very relevant when you think about it deeper - to real life where this stereotyping is happening through racism and discrimination.
The stereotypes are carried best through the movie's protagonists in Judy and Nick, who battle those stereotypes and discriminatory presumptions to end up prevailing and proving that they are way more than what they're made out to be.
This film also covers themes of rejection and corruption, with our heroes being constantly met with obstacle after obstacle, foe after foe - while people higher up are scheming behind their backs. It's all very relevant topics, all in what's constantly perceived as "just a kid's movie".
I felt, however, that the themes of corruption in the movie could have been explored a bit more than it was.
Should they have featured that sub-plot more, Zootopia would have become arguably my favourite animated picture of them all, if not then a serious contender in the same league as my personal favourites like The Incredibles, Finding Nemo or Monsters, Inc.
On to the story, and I thought that Zootopia had an excellent one filled with terrific action and adventure. It was simple enough to follow (for kids too), and thematically deep which makes grown-ups and adults enjoy it too.
Along with that, we meet some wonderful characters throughout who truly give the film that extra edge.
I particularly loved the sloths. They were completely hilarious whenever they appeared on-screen.
The rest of the supporting characters were all wonderful in their own rights too.
I loved Idris Elba's Police Chief Bogo, J.K. Simmons' Mayor of Zootopia and Judy's parents Stu (Don Lake) and Bonnie (Bonnie Hunt) - whom I thought were voiced by Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston respectively.
Visually, Zootopia is stunning. It is filled with colour and some lovely locations drawn beautifully in typical Disney-Pixar fashion.
The music by Michael Giacchino is lush and filled with energy and adventure, and I love the super catchy theme song called "Try Everything" performed by Shakira - who also voices a character in the movie in the form of superstar Gazelle.
All in all, Zootopia is way more than "just a kids' movie". It's smart, witty, supremely funny and very entertaining.
It deals with themes one would never come to expect in an animated picture meant for kids, making adults enjoy it as much as a child would.
I can't praise this movie enough. If you haven't already seen it, what are you doing with your life?
I had a ball of a time with Zootopia, and I'm sure you will too.
8.5/10.
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