What with the makers of Wreck-it-Ralph and Tangled at the helm, it should come as no surprise that Disney’s Zootopia is the clever, cute and timely movie that it is. While not quite at the level of the usual Pixar fare, what with that studio’s penchant for tackling angsty adult issues while amusing the youngsters, this feature is a cut above the typical kids’ movie though its message is aimed squarely at the younger set. While the script by Jared Bush and Phil Johnston may be guilty of belaboring its point, at least it does so in an entertaining and lighthearted manner that helps this bit of thematic medicine go down easily.
An eternal optimist, bunny Judy Hopps (voice by Ginnifer Goodwin) is intent on taking advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves in her unique world. Seems that the citizens of Zootopia – animals, all – have evolved, or at least come to an understanding where predators and prey can live side by side. Giraffes and tigers shop together, lions and lambs run the city while foxes and rodents are partners in crime. Yep, harmony has been found … or has it?
Seems that 14 different predators have gone missing, and police Chief Bongo (Idris Elba) and his fellow officers are stymied by the case. This is just the opportunity Judy’s been waiting for. Having always dreamed of being a cop, her making the Zootopia police force is a bittersweet occasion as she’s been regulated to handing out parking tickets. However, fate intervenes and Bongo gives her 48 hours to crack the missing predators case, one that she sets out to solve with the most unlikely of partners – street hustler Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who just happens to be a fox.
The thing that initially stands out is how clever the film is. Throwaway bits underscore the ridiculous nature of predators and prey as well as big and small animals living together. Judy is pushed out of the frame when she fist-bumps a rhino, while the perspective of the film changes when our heroine finds herself much like Godzilla while traipsing through a part of town populated by rodents. Smart, funny asides abound, the showstopper being a visit to Zootopia’s DMV, which is completely manned by sloths. Contrasting their glacially slow nature against Judy’s natural hyperactivity is a moment of genius that reaps big laughs.
However, the film is not all fun and games as directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore have an important message to deliver, which they do in a poignant and effective manner. While the notion that natural enemies can live together is an appealing one, the fact that the animals have to suppress their true natures to do so is problematic. Despite this radical change in their society, many in Zootopia still can’t let go of their old prejudices. Judy is reminded again and again that rabbits aren’t capable of being police officers while the duplicitous nature of foxes casts a shadow on Nick’s character that he just can’t shake. The notion that we must defy expectations that are forced upon us as well as be true to ourselves couldn’t be more timely, what with racial issues our nation continues to deal with.
Howard and Moore manage to find the perfect balance, as their film manages to effectively entertain as well as inform. In delivering their message in a film of this sort, these directors do their small part in trying to change future generation’s view of their world. As such, in its own small way, Zootopia is a noble and vital accomplishment that defies its deceptively modest appearance.
Contact Chuck Koplinski at ckoplinski@usd116.org.
This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2016.
