Zootropolis (2016) **SPOILER REVIEW**

As much as I loved this film, I cannot help but feel that the praise it
has received may not be just over its quality, but the time of its
release. With the presidential elections involving Trump et al, the
goings on in Syria and issues with terrorism (with the horrific events
in Brussels only occurring not even a week after the film's premiere
here in Ireland), it seems as if Zootropolis popped up at just the
right time.



Thankfully, the film succeeds on its own merits. By no means perfect,
Zootropolis manages to be a fully realized world, with lovable
characters and with plenty of humour, drama and heart that sucks both
kids and adults in. Our protagonist is Judy Hopps, who, ever since she
was a kitten, wanted to be a police officer. Judy's parents, and the
rest of the anthropomorphic animal world in which she lives, tell her
she, being a rabbit, has no chance. Of course, Judy becomes top of her
class, and is sent to the first precinct in the ZYPD, in the heart of
Zootropolis. Despite this, Chief Bogo sees her as a weak bunny, and
places her on traffic duty. Determined to prove her worth, Judy offers
to solve the missing mammal case of Emmett Otterton in only 48 hours,
and to resign if she fails. Enlisting the help of wily fox, Nick Wilde,
Judy races against the clock to crack the case, and discover some
disturbing secrets about the apparent Utopia that is Zootropolis.



The first thing that struck me was how immersive the world of
Zootropolis really is; Disney have given their utmost to make this
world feel as real as possible, and it works. I felt like I was in the
town, not just a spectator. The architecture of the buildings, the
rabbit's eye view the camera stays at to show how small Judy is in
comparison to the other animals. The little additions for every
creature, from air driers for dapper hippos, to hamster tubes serving
as transportation for lemmings. Even the trains have different size
doors for each and every animal. Zootropolis seems, at first, to be so
much more inclusive than our own. In fact, it feels like our world; the
cars, roads, cafés and clothes, to everyone using their phones at every
second. So much detail was put into this environment, even down to the
animals needs (need I mention the rain-forest and Tundra Town?), you'd
have to watch the film a second or even a third time just to appreciate
it.



The animation is easily Disney's best CGI to date. The fur; in the
wind, when wet - is astounding. You can see each and every strand. The
character animation and expressions are a joy to behold. The film is
absolutely gorgeous to look at.



The characters are extremely well rounded and likable, except for one,
which I'll get to. Even though I knew that Judy would climb to the top,
I rooted for her and felt gutted when she resigned. Nick was easily the
most adorable con artist since Mr. Fox (hehe) and perhaps even Charlie
from All Dogs Go To Heaven. He's a lovable rogue, with genuine
insecurities. The side characters are all used well, all serve a
purpose and are unique in their own way.



My issues with the film are minimal, and occur in the third act. First
is that stupid buddy-cop film cliché where the newfound friends fall
out only to get back together again. Yes, it's dealt with well, isn't
the main focus (it happens to segway into one of the most poignant
scenes of the film; Zootropolis's paranoia), and fits well with the
films message. Plus, Judy's emotions when trying to make amends with
Nick are genuine. It just seems so forced, like it's on a checklist.
It's just like "oh we gotta have that moment where they doubt their
friendship even though they're going to be stronger at the end." Still,
Nick's reaction is as human (hehe) as the other animals; fear and
shame, racism and oppression, can cloud your judgment. It did for Nick
all his life, and does so here. Then there's the twist villain. I will
admit I knew the villain going in, and of the bait and switch, but I
wasn't expecting the villain to be so...last minute. Literally.
Everything else in this film was so cleverly conceived and executed,
that slapping the bad guy card on Bellweather seems silly. She was a
nice character, too! The only inkling of her being a baddie was her
treatment by Lionheart. It made zero sense. I get what the film is
getting at; just because she is a small little sheep doesn't mean she's
sweet as sugar. We already got that message with Nick, on the other
side of the coin. The final issue I had with the movie was when Nick
goes "savage." Like I said, I knew of this part, and even though the
scene was well done, I couldn't help but notice... Nick's eyes. When
the predators went savage, their eyes became animalistic. Nick's
didn't. Focusing on his eyes emphasized this. The effect was probably
ruined by me knowing going in, so take it as a nitpick.



So my main issues were with the climax, which is short, and makes up
for it with a satisfying conclusion and hilarious joke. This film is
wonderful; the message is one of Disney's strongest, and the movie is
one of their smartest. There is so much to observe, to learn and to
enjoy in Zootropolis. It's funny, endearing and just plain likable.
This is the first time I really want a sequel from Disney; Judy and
Nick are so enjoyable, and share such great chemistry, that they need
another film to show them fighting crime. Gives a whole new meaning to
the term "the fuzz."

Also, the film is not just a study on social commentary and racism, but is genuinely funny.



9/10



I'd like to thank Disney for employing
veteran voice actors for some of the roles (such as Maurice LaMarche
for Mr. Big), and for keeping Judy and Nick as FRIENDS.