Our favourite Bunny and Fox duo are back on the big screen this Winter in Zootropolis 2 (Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard)! Nine years ago, we first entered the world where animals lived harmoniously side-by-side in a city literally made for them: Zootropolis. The film was a resounding success, an Oscar winner that showcased the magic of Disney Animation. Now nine years later we get to re-enter the captivating world of Zootropolis. Is the film able to replicate the success of the first whilst retaining originality and such a high level of animation? Read on for my full review. (Minor spoilers ahead).
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Whilst there may be nine years been the two films, Zootropolis 2 takes place only weeks after the first film. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) now partners at the ZPD face a variety of challenges including their colleagues mistrusting Nick and thinking their take down of Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate) was a one hit wonder. Together they face the adversity, but perhaps not in the best possible way which leads to cracks forming in their partnership when a snake - Gary (Ke Huy Quan) is spotted at the Zootenial Gala. Judy jumps on the case a little too eagerly whilst Nick reverts to his old avoidant ways. Narrative wise Zootropolis 2 feels original whilst sticking to the same story model we see in the first film. The characters undergo further development throughout, rather than leaving them static which is fun to watch.
The narrative goes beyond a simple buddy cop film. With frequent laughs that will appeal to adults more than children. There are a number of great easter eggs, the usual Disney ones (Keep an eye out for a favourite Pixar character) and social/pop culture ones that are purely aimed at the adult viewers, a clear indicator that Disney knows how many adults love a Disney feature length picture. On top of this there is some serious social commentary weaved throughout. Within the film we see the erasure of a whole species, which can certainly be seen as a timely warning to viewers.
Visually, Zootropolis 2 takes us into areas of the city we either spent very limited time in or did not see in the first film. The main ones being: Marsh Market and Tundratown. Both add another layer of spectacle to the city whilst being impressive shows of animation talent. One full of sparkling snow that avoids looking depthless. The other a land on the 'outskirts' of the city, home to newcomer Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feistier) a conspiracy theorist Beaver that joins forces with Judy and Nick. Marsh Market is perhaps the most creative land we have seen yet in the universe, full of interesting and varied species and free from the ordered look of the city. Zootropolis is a visual showcase of pure creativity and the film rightfully credits everyone at Disney Animation in the closing crawl.
Pared with the visuals is a stacked voice cast. Alongside the leads we have Idris Alba, Andy Samberg, Bonnie Hunt, Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, Josh Gad, Ed Sheeran, Dwayne Johnson, Josh Dallas, Michael J.Fox and so many more lending their voices to animal characters. Shakira returns as pop superstar Gazelle, this time in a larger role whilst also providing the film with its original lead song 'Zoo' which is not quite as catchy as 'Try Everything' but still memorable.
Overall, there is a lot to love about Zootropolis 2, it is a fantastic sequel that matches the brilliance of the first film. The animation is beautifully crafted on both the characters and the world they inhabit, a real visual spectacle. You'll laugh and be moved by the character development of Judy and Nick. And for those that ship the duo, the opening scene plays nicely into that, which was great fun to see Disney incorporating popular fan ideas. Catch the Zootropolis 2 in cinemas!
Thank you for reading xx
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