By TRENTON JUDD & NATALIE SACKET
Columnists
Once again Disney gives us a heartwarming story with adorable animals, but is the story as good as the animals are cute?
Trenton: 4 out of 5
“Zootopia” is the story of a small town rabbit named Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, who has big dreams of being a police officer. During her first day on the job, she comes across a sly fox named Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman, and this leads to a mysterious and dangerous case. Have no fear! Judy Hopps is on the case, but she will find a secret that not even Zootopia is ready to handle.
“Zootopia” is an enjoyable children’s movie, and that’s not a bad thing because we could use more decent children’s movies like this. The message is clear and powerful, the pacing and story development is child friendly and the ending has a good lasting feeling on you after you’ve left the theater.
The reason I specify that it’s a good children’s film is because as a stand alone film, it does lack a few key things. To start off, I really would have liked to have seen more world building.
The next thing would have to be the lack of attention given towards the characters’ development. This is not just referring to the main characters, but to all of the prominent characters that were just given these straightforward stereotypes.
I did enjoy the developing relationship of Judy and Nick, but I just wanted to see more of their story unfold and along with their story some of the side characters were unique in such a way that I just wanted to see more of the interactions between them and the main characters.
The final thing I’ll touch on is the fact that the song at the end of the movie feels forced. I was just thrown off because there was a really great ending space for this movie, but the ending song sequence kind of cancels it out.
Bottom Line: “Zootopia” is the best children’s movie that I’ve seen this year, and I hope that it turns into a franchise for children, but as a stand alone movie it was a decently made movie despite a few missing pieces and I can honestly say I enjoyed it and it ended up tugging at my heartstrings.
Natalie: 4.5 out of 5
If you carrot all about fun, thought-provoking films, you should visit theaters to see “Zootopia.”
This film is fun, adorable and entertaining, all while inserting powerful social messages about racism, gender roles and acceptance.
Disney has done it yet again. I never though that the story of a bunny determined to become a cop would be the most inspirational film I’ve seen all year. Judy Hopps is the adorable, yet determined rabbit with a dream to get off the carrot farm and into the big city of Zootopia. She pictures Zootopia as a utopia where all animals can achieve anything, where both predators and prey can live in perfect harmony. Once coming to the city, however, she discovers the city needs some bunny to save it.
Humor is abundant throughout the film, making kids and adults laugh. The theater in which I watched this film was filled with children, most of which giggled throughout the entirety of the film. It’s clever and witty, as funny as it is furry.
“Zootopia” is highly imaginative. It is clear that an immense amount of world building went into this film. The animation is clean, colorful and enticing. Children will be delighted by the wide variety of animated animals, and adults will be intrigued by the clever design of the film.
“Zootopia” stands out most for me because of its extremely relevant messages. This film provides more than the typical moral lesson for kids; it provides a wake up call for adults. With its social concern regarding “predator vs. prey,” this movie presents a clear allusion to issues of racism in our society. This message is extremely timely, one that is needed. With themes of feminism, overcoming prejudice and peacefully coexisting with different types of people, or animals, this film is both empowering and inspirational. I know that I left the theater determined that I could achieve anything with enough hard work and determination, as long as I channel my inner Judy Hopps.
Bottom Line: “Zootopia” provides plenty of laughter and entertainment, all while leaving you feeling inspired. That’s the epitome of a great kid’s movie. I encourage all to go watch this film; it’s the best pep talk you could ask for!