Grade: B+
Now in its 3rd week, Disney’s Zootopia has managed to out push out Allegiant, the third installment in the Divergent series, in U.S box office sales. Coming in at $29.1 million, this is a low for the dystopian young adult franchise in terms of opening weekend gains.
It will be even further eclipsed in the coming March 25 weekend, when blockbuster behemoth Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which is tracking at $159 million according to pro.boxoffice.com, releases in theatres.
There’s no doubt Zootopia will be able to hold its own against both of those franchises. Like its can-do protagonist Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), it won’t go down without a fight.
This is a film that deserves multiple viewings. While I am a bit of a fan of the Divergent series and can acknowledge the hard work and time that team has put into their product, I would advocate for Zootopia before I would recommended Allegiant.
One thing that a children’s film should never do is make the mistake of dumbing itself down, kids deserve smart movies, too–films that they can watch again even as adults and still appreciate. Zootopia is a film that appeals to all ages and demographics without shortchanging anyone.
Directed by John Byron Howard (Tangled) and Rich Moore (Wreck-it-Ralph), Zootopia is a surprisingly socially conscious animated family movie that has quite a bit to say about sexism, discrimination, stereotypes, and communication across racial group lines.
With such a cutesy surface appearance, the relevant themes presented, while on the nose, are unexpected. Once Upon a Time’s Goodwin voices Judy Hopps, an ambitious bunny from rural beginnings that has big dreams of becoming a cop—the first bunny cop to be exact.
She travels to Zootopia, a metropolis where both predator and prey mammals of all species can live in harmony. The rookie cop soon finds herself entangled with slick con-man fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as the two work together on a case of missing animals that turns out to be a small piece in a bigger scheme.
While working to prove herself to her headstrong boss’ prejudices and expose the plot hiding behind her case, a culture of fear and discrimination soon spreads across Zootopia in the wake of a conspiracy against traditionally predatory animals.
Idris Elba, Jason Bateman and J.K Simmons also lend their voices to the colorful cast of characters. A great many of the characters are written in such a way that they’ll have you think twice about the stereotypes assigned to various animals.
For example, where cheetahs are typically thought of as lithe, athletic and powerful, Officer Clawhauser is an quirky, effeminate and overweight desk cop.
Mob boss Mr. Big is a tiny, but intimidating, shrew. Even pragmatic Chief Bogo, who is Judy’s biggest obstacle on the force, isn’t at all the stubborn African Buffalo that he pretends to be.
Speaking of the titular hero, in a training montage of her time at the police academy, it’s shown how Judy levels the playing field, finding clever ways to compete with her larger counterparts. She applies that tenacity to her work in the field, even outsmarting the crafty Nick.
As Judy defies the stereotype of a farm-hick “dumb” bunny, Nick is a sly fox that isn’t as one-note as society expects his kind to be. Although, he does play along with the typecast.
Despite the film feeling very heavy at points, it does a great job of not becoming preachy. This is mostly due to the great comedic elements (some of the best were given away in the trailers though) and fantastic world building.
I would be surprised if Disney didn’t capitalize on attraction themes like Tundra Town or The Rain Forest District. There are also great references to AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad, the Godfather and callbacks to other popular Pixar movies in the form of easter eggs.
In short, Zootopia is a very smart well put together film, with a timely message of gender and racial equality, inclusion and the importance of integration. I would go as far as to say it is a modern Disney classic.
Zhana Johnson
Senior Features Editor
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