“Zootopia” is one of the newest Disney movies released in March of 2016 which follows Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and her adventure as the first rabbit cop in Zootopia (a colorful metropolis where all species of animals live and thrive). She quickly learns how tough law enforcement is, especially with her size. With a drive to prove herself, Judy jumps on the first opportunity to solve an ongoing case. With Nick Wilde, a cunning fox voiced by Jason Bateman, as her only lead. It’s now up to them to solve the case.
I love this movie. Disney honestly couldn’t have created a more relative movie for today’s current events. With Disney’s, “let’s make the world a better place” intention they focus on the struggles of those in law enforcement. Every day police officials are accused of wrong doings, cursed out by those they have ticketed, and not taken seriously by the type of uniform they wear. “Zootopia” lets you look through the other side of the glass to show audiences that even people in law enforcement are people too, and they have souls like the rest of us.
This movie also mentions the concept of race. Of course most children would not catch this topic; but it’s one of the biggest things that stood out to me in this movie. Disney didn’t make a particular species of animal a specific race but when certain comments were said through many different species it made the issue universal instead of pertaining to one particular species the most. Animals didn’t just pick on Judy (the rabbit) or Nick (the fox). And even with certain services, other animals state they have the right to deny service to any animal. Which is also in affect in different states and businesses today. Some businesses state, “No shirt, no shoes, no service,” for example.
But thank goodness this movie still keeps its animal charm without humanizing the characters too much. Animals are still given their typical stereotypes like elephants have amazing memories, foxes are cunning and can’t be trusted, and bunnies are weak and so on. Even the way animals interact in the city together which include beavers using their tails to smooth cement, and the way hamsters eat food keep the zoo in Zootopia.
One of the best parts of “Zootopia” is how the characters use and interact with technology. When I see an advertisement for an animated movie one of the things I notice is how the characters are using technology. In most cases, they are just taking selfies or their phone interactions seem forced. “Zootopia” makes the interactions as seamless as possible. From just putting earphones on the train to a random Facetime with your parents with them not knowing how it works.
If this movie isn’t playing at a theater near you anymore find one that is still playing it and watch it. It will throw you for a loop and leave you wanting more.
