Directors: Brian Howard and Rich Moore
By Alex Watson
A story that only Disney could have brought to life, Zootopia is a the kind of fun experience we only get once a year. Setting the story in a world where animals reign supreme free of human interaction is more than just a novelty effect. Directors Howard and Moore have the cute factor pinned down easily, but it is a thoughtful piece about problems that can arise from having predator and prey co-existing. This is a Disney movie with a big heart and an animal instinct.
Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a small town rabbit who dreams of becoming a police officer. Overcoming the pessimism about her dreams, Judy does achieve her goals and becomes the first ever rabbit police officer. When she reaches the city she realizes that things will be tougher than she could ever imagine. 14 animals have been captured in recent weeks and Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) is keen to have them solved. When Judy begins to investigate, she gets the help of con artist fox Nick Wild (Jason Bateman) who she has previously encountered.
Wonderfully both Howard and Moore don't allow Zootopia to completely revolve around its central concept and focus mainly on the central duo of Judy and Nick. Funny and smart from the very beginning and its animation is a glorious experience. Having the animals walk and talk like humans is a neat touch, as well is have the city is divided into different sectors such as tiny Little Rodentia. There is also a wonderfully silly feel and co-writes Jared Bush and Phil Johnson have a ball with creating a variety of zany moments. From a painfully realistic DMW run entirely by sloths to a rodent mafia boss, there are laughs to be found everywhere.
Ever since childhood, Judy's less than enthusiastic have trodden on her dreams and encourage like her parents to farm carrots. Through some sheer pluckiness, Judy manages to prove the doubters wrong. When she arrives in Zootopia, Judy is immediately by grumpy buffalo Chief Bogo. The reality of her struggle sets in and she begins to lose hope. Meeting Nick is, at first, a heartbreaking experience for her because due to his trickster nature he turns what a kind act into something horrific. Constantly mocking and second guessing Judy, enlisting his help is a risk as foxes are mistrusted heavily. Together this unlikely pair works likes a charm and as they begin to work together a genuinely sweet and trusting friendship is born.
What is smart about Zootopia is the issues it tackles underneath such as racism and stereotyping. Predators and prey have existed peacefully for a long period of time but there is still an air of mistrust hanging in the air. Nick himself has become a con man due to some horrific prejudice growing up while Judy is pigeonholed as the typical 'cute bunny' by her co-workers. These heavy tones are handled with care and by subtly sliding them into the plot it makes the central mystery all the more stronger. Without giving too much away, the big reveal close to the end is thought provoking one and makes us think twice about this animal kingdom Disney has created.
The voice pairing of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman is a dream and together they are movies core. Goodwin makes good use of the saccharine likeability of Judy but also gives her a hard shell that protects her from the blows of the world. Bateman makes good use of Nick and makes him into the most slippery friend/nemesis you could wish to have. The perfect flavor of sugar and spice, the pair makes this journey through this amazing world even more memorable. Idris Elba also raises a laugh as the continually soured faced Bogo, especially when secretly playing the app created by singer Gazelle (voiced by Shakira).
One of 2016's most worthwhile experiences and Disney has created something truly special. Sporting some stunning CGI and address some important points, few animated movies this year will match this.
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