Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, Zootopia is a new animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. It’s been reported that it has received an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and an Annie Award.

Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is the first rabbit to ever graduate the police academy. She transfers from her small, country town to the big city of Zootopia, where predators and prey live together in harmony. The police officers treat her, especially Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) treat her as a weakling and make her a meter-maid. However, while pursuing a con-artist fox named Nick (Jason Bateman), she accidentally discovers a conspiracy that will shake the very foundations of Zootopia and the animal kingdom. 

Besides who I mentioned above, this movie has an ensemble cast of voice actors including Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J. K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, Shakira, just to name a few. The talent is immense and it really helps to flesh out the story. 

As for the CGI animation, it is too-notch and the animals really come to life. The scenery and the character designs are all exceptional, giving the viewer a very pleasant experience.

As for the message, I did find it a bit lacking. While Judy is a very likable and enjoyable character, as a cop, she is the one you do not respect. She bends the rules to get her way and often comes across as balancing on a line. The movie also tries to present a world where, despite obvious differences, everyone is the same with nothing unique about them. This might go over a younger viewer’s head, but it was not lost on me. 

Bottom line, this is one of the best non-princess animated films to come out Disney in a long time. While it has some material that might go over kids’ heads, along with some dark scenes and violence, it is no worse than some earlier Disney films. The visual effects, the story, and the voice cast are all amazing.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Life’s a little bit messy. We all make mistakes. No matter what type of animal you are, change starts with you.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Scary images

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my movie reviews of Joseph: King of Dreams and Captain America: Civil War. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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