The best of the lot, and that may not be saying much since I didn’t like any of the other movies reviewed today, but “Zootopia” actually is really good.
What Works: Yet another example that the most quality big-studio films coming out these days are actually movies that are technically “for kids.” Between the simple pleasures of “Kung Fu Panda 3” and “Good Dinosaur,” and the weighty emotional allegory of “Inside Out” (the very best big studio film of 2015), animation is—ironically—the best place to find smart, enjoyable movies for adults. And “Zootopia” not only adds to that trend but raises it with an unexpected social message the trailers never suggest.
It’s not every day that any film could appeal directly to “Black Lives Matter”—let alone an animated one—and that may give you an idea of what a subversive, unique experience this truly is. It’s not just mouthing platitudes about diversity but vividly portraying the feelings of a world divided between predators and prey that feels all too timely in a 2016 landscape frought with fears of immigration, terrorism, police brutality, etc.
Plus, the first two thirds of the movie also are pretty funny, and the voice cast is note-perfect from Jason Bateman’s sly fox to Idris Elba’s seen-it-all police chief. I particularly loved the world building and thought it took to flesh out sequences set in a Rain Forest District or a foot chase through neighborhoods that keep changing size depending on the animals who live there. The beginning also nicely plays off the fish out of water experience of moving to a big city.
What Doesn’t: No movie is perfect, and even though this one comes pretty close, I did find the overall message and allegory worked a little better in the first two-thirds when it was a little more subtle than the—arguably—more obvious ending. Still, that’s a small price to pay for a movie that works this well.
What I Would Have Done Differently: This is the first animated noir I can remember since “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and it manages to build a fully realized world all its own with ace voice talent. By all means, go see it.
Loved the movie!
Loved this review!
Keep up the great reviews.
Zootopia was a great movie. Everyone should see this and you should work for People magazine!
Better reviews from you than what I pay for.
I think Zootopia is one of the best movies!
I have not seen the movie yet,but by reading this I think it is a good movie.This was a good article.It helped me figure out if I want to see it or not.Thank you for the article.
I have not seen the movie yet, but by reading this I think it is a good movie.
This article made the movie sound good. I have not seen it yet but sound good.
I have not seen the movie yet, but my sister did and she said it was very enjoyable and a great “for kids” movie.
This review has really pushed me to go see the movie.
Sounds like a great movie!
I been wanting to watch the movie
Reminds me of Over The Hedge.
Loved the movie and would love to see it as a classroom field trip for all kids.
Everyone young and old need to see this and work to get along with everyone.
Great review for a great movie.
Looking forward to watching hte film this post gives me high hopes.
I have not seen the movie yet, but I have a pretty good feeling about it!
The movie was good.
i love the movie.
I haven’t seen the movie but, it sounds very good
The movie seems great I would love to watch it.
I have not seen this movie yet but it sounds so entertaining!!
I have not seen the movie,but it sounds fun.
Many movies teach stuff without really saying it. They only use examples on how they can mean what they try to say.
It sounds like a fun movie
I liked this review.
Good review.
Haven’t seen it yet but I think I will like it.
Haven’t seen the movie but I can’t what.
I loved this movie when we went and watched it!
Can’t wait to see the movie!!!
I have not seen zootopia but I think it would be fun.
I like this movie a lot. I would recommend it.
Bets movie ever!!!
Sounds like a great movie.
It’s a nice movie.
This is movie is one of the greatest of all time
I have not seen this movie but by reading this article it sounds really good!
I have not seen this movie but by reading this article it looks like a good movie.
Haven’t watched it but seems great to me!
It is a great movie
It is a great movie to watch
I have not seen it, but it sounds good.
It was a great movie I really like it.
Best movie ever