Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin return as the voices of fox Nick and rabbit Judy in Disney’s animated sequel.
Zootropolis (also known as Zootopia) was a huge hit when it was released in 2016. It’s taken almost 10 years, but the franchise is back for another outing.
As you may remember, the first film ended with fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) becoming a cop with the Zootropolis Police Department alongside his new partner, rabbit Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin).
The duo constantly disobey Chief Bogo (Idris Elba)’s orders and work on cases they haven’t been assigned. They are determined to prove themselves as a crime-fighting team among the bigger creatures on the force.
While investigating one of their unassigned cases, they discover a piece of old snake skin, which leads them to uncover a conspiracy that explains why there are no longer any reptiles in Zootropolis.
Just like the first film, Zootropolis is packed full of wondrous, colourful visuals and so many creative, imaginative ideas about how a city would function with so many animals of all different shapes and sizes.
The attention to detail and the sense of humour in the world-building are impressive, and you will need to watch this more than once to properly absorb and appreciate it all because a lot is going on!
Judy and Nick are the heart and soul of the film, but there are many hilarious supporting characters that steal the focus. A few fan favourites return from the original (no spoilers!) as well as plenty of new additions, including Gary De’Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan.
Among the newcomers, Mayor Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), a stallion with a flowing blond mane who always seems to have a wind machine, is sure to crack everyone up. There’s also the chatty beaver Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), the Zebros buddy cops (wrestlers Roman Reigns and CM Punk), and all the creatures that pop up in the new Marsh Market district.
The central story is slightly weaker than the original, but you will be entertained anyway because there are so many wacky characters, animal puns, pop culture references, Easter eggs and another catchy track from Shakira.
Zootropolis really is a film for all the family, as the exciting action sequences and physical comedy will keep the kids engaged, while the witty – and sometimes cheeky – dialogue works better with the adults.
This sequel doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original, but it is still one of the year’s best animations. Make sure you stay until the end of the credits!
In cinemas from Friday 28th November.
By Hannah Wales.
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