A Smart, Funny Sequel That Captures Themes of The Original (Zootopia 2 Review)

 

I still remember how I had a very different opinion on Zootopia when it first released almost 10 years ago. Among them was that it was not the most inventive movie, but boy, was I wrong. As I grew older, my appreciation for the ambition that the animated behemoth became was unprecedented and everyone agreed. Simply said, it is one of my favorite of the new Disney movies.

Zootopia 2 is releasing during a time when Disney is officially standing on thin ice. For the first time in 10-plus years, Disney is not the highest-grossing studio in Hollywood, which is why the reliance on sequels of beloved films have been the recent output as of late because it is a plan executives think it's best for revenue, but is still not catching the eyes of certain House of Mouse boycotters. But is Zootopia 2 another cash grab sequel in the churning franchise machine that is Disney?

It has been unpredictable these days, with moviegoers actively not being appealed to most of the Disney outings especially this past year, but Zootopia could turn things around. The sequel manages to recapture the heart of soul of what made the predecessor so great. The humor still sticks the landing more times than you would expect. The movie is very funny. Everyone is very likely to enjoy these characters' return to the screen, following an all-new case that reveals more secrets within the Zootopia lore. 

When I say lore, I do not mean it lightly. World-building is very much what Disney has always excelled in. Byron Howard and Jared Bush are not shying away from it, especially from this fictional anthropomorphic utopia they have created. Some may wonder that certain plot points may resemble a specific part of the Wicked movies, but even if it does seem similar, Zootopia has its own message to say. 

Similar to the first movie, the social commentary within the fictional utopia that speaks to our real-world society is still very much present in reference form, but tasteful ones that I am sure everyone will get whether it be about the political climate OR even about the entertainment industry. But the main one that drives this franchise is its commentary on prejudice. The sequel continues to show the dystopian aspects of the wondrous city of Zootopia as more secrets unfold, this time towards the reptile society, who have been shunned from society. As expected, Judy is on the case, this time with Nick on her side. 

But the turmoil between them is also another driving force of the film, as their friendship is tested by how well they work together despite having conflicting personalities. Judy is jumping into action whenever she wants, dragging Nick along while Nick's carefree spirit just wants to go along with life as it is, despite having a bigger responsibility now. Nick would become every other cop stereotype, but with Judy by his side, she encourages change not only in him but in everyone with a blind eye. However, she also stakes her life for it, which is where the conflict comes in, as well as what a lot of fans want to see between these two characters. 

The two have a stellar dynamic, from start to finish, from their banter to their somber moments. They are the ultimate buddy cop duo. And if I had a guess, as opposed to the first movie, it is fair to notice that the animators are leaning into the playful flirtation between the leading characters that fans have been pointing out for years now. At this point, with plenty of innuendos being used, they might as well get these characters to get together, even if that was not the initial intention. Maybe Disney is avoiding the interspecies of it all, or they are trying to have an animated movie in their catalogue that has no romantic angle in it. Either way, it might also just be that they are willing to play it safe with how they handle the characters, considering how movies that had bigger swings were not received well. Whether it is a good thing in the long run, we will eventually find out.

Nonetheless, Zootopia 2 is a fun sequel. With new additions, Ke Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster, as Gary and Nibbles, none of the sequel feels bloated or like a whole new thing, and almost all of your favorite characters from the first movie return for a short amount of time, to show how loyal the city has become towards Judy and Nick's contributions as a team for the good of the city. It is, at its heart, a Zootopia sequel that works. Both kids and adults will enjoy it, without a doubt, and it is one of THE movies to catch this Thanksgiving season. 

But it does have some competition with Wicked having its second weekend. Double Feature?