JUNGLELAND
Zootopia
Review by Paul Preston
It’s utopia for animals. See what they did there? But not for long. In Zootopia, animals dress like people, conduct their days like people, have jobs, relate and talk like people, living in harmony, predators and prey together. Until one day, when an animal goes “savage”, reverting to a predatorial behavior that throws the peaceful city out of balance. Cue the hero.
And what a hero! “Zootopia”’s main character, Judy Hopps, a small-but-feisty country bunny trying to make it on the big city police force, is an inspiration. Not only is she a great comic energy, but a fantastic role model for all who see the movie (it’d be easy to say that she’s a great example for kids to follow, but I know plenty of adults who could use her ‘you can be anything you want to be’ attitude).
Judy’s lot in life (like her hundreds of brothers and sisters) is to be a carrot farmer, so pursuing a job as a police officer is a breakout thought in the countryside. Her parents say things I’ve heard and rebeled against a million times to the tune of “if you don’t dream, you can’t fail”. Throwing another wrench into her plans is the dismissal of her abilities by the other members of the force, which include more butch animals like rhinos and bulls. She soon sees that solving the “savage” problem of some of Zootopia’s residents might be her way to good favor.
I’m sure I’ve done this rant before where I reflect back on how worried I was when Disney bought Pixar, that Pixar would be swallowed up in the Disney machine, their spirit of independence crushed, and their originality quelled. However, Disney enveloped Pixar the right way, making Pixar’s CEO John Lasseter the head of the entire Disney Animation department. The result has been a string of hits and good movies. Compare pre-Lasseter films “Chicken Little” and “Meet the Robinsons” with the latest box office bonanzas and Oscar winners “Frozen”, “Wreck-it-Ralph” and “Big Hero 6”. Now, any Disney or Pixar animated movie is an event and worth getting excited for.
“Zootopia” continues that tradition. Don’t let the March release fool you, this is a large scale adventure with great voice talent and a script that contains real mystery. The plot unfolds with intelligent clues, plausible motives and a who-done-it that satisfies.
For all you ladies who’ve called Jason Bateman a fox for over a decade now, wish granted. He voices Nick Wilde, a street-wise fox who gets caught up in Judy’s investigation. His dry delivery suits the character well. Ginnifer Goodwin is a perfect choice for Judy, doling out rapid-fire lines, bringing a contagious energy that matches her spirited animation (animation throughout is top-notch).
Everyone on Earth saw “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, so I’m sure you’ve seen the bit where the DMV is populated with sloth employees. It’s a classic comic setup with confident timing that brings huge laughs. The animals-reflecting-their-jobs thread is effective, whether it’s polar bear bodyguards throwing their size around, or lion, king of the jungle, as the Mayor. And the whole thing zips along with another engaging score by Michael Giacchino.
Pixar films like “Inside Out” continue to make bank, but it’s good to know that overall, the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios is in the midst of another late-‘80s-esque renaissance. I want them out there delivering the best films in the genre. Further proof that it’s happening is the “Angry Birds” trailer that played before “Zootopia”, featuring a group of birds bathing in a river full of urine. That wouldn’t happen in “Zootopia”, they have a story to get to.
Directed by: Byron Howard & Rich Moore
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Run Time: 108 Minutes
Country: USA
Rated: PG
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Based on your review, I’m going to watch it…normally would have passed…sounds like Zootopia is a WINNER!
ROBERT