Zootopia 2
review by Bobby Blakey
In 2016 Disney introduced the world to Zootopia and Officer Judy Hopps. Now we are getting the chance to return to this fun world with Zootopia 2 featuring the return of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman along with Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Quinta Brunson and Shakira from returning co-directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard. Could this next journey into Zootopia be worth the visit or will Judy Hopps not make the case?
Zootopia 2 follows Judy and Nick who find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, they must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.
I love the first film and have been eager to return to this world, but with sequels you just never know if it will be able to capture that same magic. Now that I have taken a trip back to visit Judy and Nick I can say I am very glad I did because for me it was as good if not better than the first film. It brings all the same things together that made the first film work and brings new layers and characters to amp up the heart and fun.
I had heard some lackluster opinions so kept my expectations low, but clearly, we saw a different film. This film goes all in on everything fun and clever about Zootopia while diving deeper into the town’s history and a fun new case that brings more fun and adventure. Sure, there are some elements that feel retreaded from the first film, but why wouldn’t it. They are officers solving a crime and still new at the official partnership.
The cast are all great once again with some fun new additions including scene stealers Key Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster. Their characters are fantastic
and add a new dynamic to the duo that allows them to go through their own separate journeys during the film when not together. I know some criticism was separating Judy and Nick for some of the film, but I loved it and gave both their own time to shine. I will say that I think some of the big-name voices are wasted like WWE stars Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Their Zee-Bros are hilarious but sadly don’t ever get much to do.
The animation is outstanding as expected but it’s the attention to detail and little side jokes that are the best. There are so many Disney and pop culture nods that it will keep you smiling nonstop if you catch them. There are tons of laugh-out loud moments that made the film work on all levels for me, and I hope it finds the audience it deserves and gives us the chance to head back for another case with these characters and this fantastic world they have created.
Join Judy and Nick on their latest case in Zootopia 2 in theaters now from Disney Animation.