[Movie Review] ‘Zootopia 2’ reminds us that we’re all interdependent, even if we’re not different animals

A decade ago, Zootopia taught us about the impact and folly of discrimination and bias. We’re all creatures on one planet, after all. It might have been ambitious for Zootopia 2 to have the same themes again, but it managed to deliver an insightful message about acceptance and inclusivity – without feeling repetitive! And that’s the key message – that Zootopia is for everyone. By corollary, the world is for everyone.

And in our BANI world today, we need to remember more than ever that we’re all living on one planet, interdependent on each other, and not independent of each other.

Synopsis

Zootopia 2 is a 3D-animated comedy adventure film that is the sequel to 2016’s Zootopia. In a massive metropolis of animals, an unlikely cop duo of a rabbit and fox struggle to work together to solve crimes. But their differences are put to the test when they uncover a plot that threatens the freedom of all animals.

Directors: Jared Bush, Byron Howard

Writers: Jared Bush

Cast:

• Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps)

• Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde)

• Ke Huy Quan (Gary De’Snake)

• Fortune Feimster (Nibbles Maplestick)

• Andy Samberg (Pawbert Lynxley)

• David Strathairn (Milton Lynxley)

• Idris Elba (Chief Bogo)

• Shakira (Gazelle)

• Patrick Warburton (Mayor Brian Winddancer)

• Quinta Brunson (Dr. Fuzzby)

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

One of the major character conflicts is that between bunny Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and how their differences threaten to tear them apart. Fundamentally, they have very different personalities, skills, and I mean they’re literally different animals. Is it too much friction for them to work together?

But there’s a frequent reminder throughout the show that the weight of the world’s burdens is too much for one person’s shoulders. And this ultimately comes to fruition when they find their commonalities and discover that working together not only splits the burden, but the synergy makes them accomplish more (ie. save the day). You’d expect that, of course, and to wrap this storyline in this message makes it all the more touching.

The world is for everyone

The film delves into the origins of Zootopia, and how it was founded with a beautiful ideal – a Zootopia for everyone. That resonated so much with me, because isn’t that what our world is like? Isn’t our world for everyone? For all our divisions and borders and differences, we’re one people living on one planet. It made me feel the importance and urgency of coming together as a species on this world, regardless of cultures and cities and languages.

The analogy of cultural theft and appropriation

There’s also subtext about cultural theft and appropriation in the film, which is probably more visible to adults. It’s a reminder of the power of narratives – the significance of having each culture’s story be told truthfully to all, and to be seen and heard authentically. Of course, this being an adventure film, there’s also the danger of co-opting another group’s story (and indirectly, a reminder of how powerful stories are when used right).

More of the mechanics of Zootopia

Zootopia 2 does more world building as it goes into exactly how this metropolis functions with its stunning diversity. This is tricky territory because going into detail means you might inadvertently draw notice to aspects that you may have wanted to hide, but it’s also gratifying because it satiates curiosity and shows you just how much work is required to be truly accommodating and inviting to creatures of all types.

Animal and zoo puns galore

I like wordplay. And this movie gives it to you in spades – whether it’s through dialogue, visuals, or just riffs off everyday brands that you never saw coming. Having humour on different levels is what makes the film appealing to all ages, so there’s fun for adults in addition to the physical humour for kids.

Plotting could be pacier

While the story mainly races from set piece to gorgeously animated set piece, the narrative pacing does have some erratic moments. It feels as if the too many things were cut from the original movie, which makes the existing story move slowly yet speedily at times. Nevertheless, the energy is exciting for most of the film and the physical scenes are fun to watch.

Should you watch Zootopia 2? 

Zootopia 2 manages to keep what made the original so impactful, while expanding on the message and exploring new vistas within its universe (okay, city). With more characters, humour on multiple levels, and a very enriching takeaway, it’s a movie that all families should watch. Heck, maybe it’s even one that the whole world should watch, if only to remind us of how we’re basically all one people on the same planet.

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• [Movie Review] ‘Zootopia’ delivers deep lessons with humour