Zootopia 2
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
“... a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day…"
This quote from Peter’s second letter provides context for the nearly decade-long wait for the sequel to the original Zootopia (2016), which lands audiences a mere week after the original anthropomorphic tale. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) now serve as partners in the Zootopia Police Department. Still, despite their hero status within the community, the pair prove to have a penchant for getting into trouble before unmasking their unique crimefighting skills.
In this latest chapter in this world of animals striving to live in unity, audiences are taken beyond the weather walls that divide the different climates. Tundratown is the home of the Lynxley family, who have become the kingmakers of the government while hiding a dark secret. During the annual Zootenial Gala celebrating the city's founding on its 100th anniversary, Judy and Nick attempt to thwart Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) from stealing a journal that would unearth historical secrets. Yet, the duo realise that the villains behind injustices in Zootopia's past could change prejudices that have existed for a century.
Since the release of Zootopia, there has been anticipation for the continuation of Judy and Nick's story. As this sequel unfolds on screen, the wait was rewarded, as the layers of this multi-character-driven animated adventure satisfy all that was introduced in the first film. Families can enjoy getting back to the cinema for a movie that has something for all ages. The humour, the action, and the various environments bring freshness to the animal's world while keeping all that we fell in love with in the initial outing. There are moral lessons added for parents, emphasising the importance of loyalty, friendship, and integrity. Yet, the depth messaging is less reliant on morality to drive the narrative and more focused on the importance of friendship and family legacy.
This new journey of this animal-centric metropolis keeps the majority of the original cast for those yearning for nostalgia. Flash, Benjamin Clawhauser, and Chief Bogo make their presence known, but the new voices breathe new life into this beloved story. The additions of Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) and Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) to the cast help propel this franchise into new territory, offering families the opportunity to enjoy a day at the cinema. Along with the characters come hilarious references to classic movies that will keep fans searching for these fun flashes of big-screen treasures. Yet within each of these elements, there is a heartfelt character development that leans into what all fans remember from the introduction to this megalopolis of fur, scales, and feathers.
Zootopia 2 offers something this season for families and the next generation's introduction to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The family movie of the season, along with The Bad Guys 2, these anthropomorphic tales are the best family films of the year. Both films help us break the stereotypes of the creatures we may have vilified over the years, leaving us cheering for the 'snakes' and 'foxes' of this world.
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What do parents need to know about Zootopia 2?
The messaging is on the furry nose of this franchise. The need to get along with others and how racism within any species is not acceptable in society. Yet, this film helps us to understand that managing the delicate balance between acceptance and cultural identity is exceptionally nuanced. The opportunities for parents to discuss this topic with their children will be a natural next step. Still, it's worth considering how you would answer the inevitable questions from young and old alike.
Thankfully the Bible gives some great passages to address the topic of diversity, cultural identity and love.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. - Romans 12:16
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. - James 2:1
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. - Colossians 3:11
