Zootopia
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore
Screenplay: Jared Bush, Phil Johnston
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, J.K Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, Shakira
Rated: PG
This movie won me over the moment I saw the infamous DMV Sloth trailer. Yep, I knew I’d love it. And I definitely did.
Goodwin as Judy Hopps and Bateman as Nick Wilde were fantastic. Their voice acting for these characters felt as if it came naturally for them. They created the perfect tone and pacing for their characters that really made each personality shine. I loved it. Especially since the characters were so opposite from each other.
Oh, and don’t get me started on their friendship. It was adorable.
The animators/designers did a fabulous job at creating the Zootopia world. Obviously, I knew that it was a world full of animals, but they actually designed Zootopia to be broken into different areas (like a zoo would be). There were “neighborhoods” like the desert, the rainforest, and even a tiny little rodent town. With stores like Targoat. Seriously, that’s so cute.
Can I say adorable and cute enough? No. No, I don’t think so.
The story itself had a message for young kids that I think is super relevant to the times. The main theme is about prejudice. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde judge each other at first because of their species, but they soon learn that isn’t who the other is. Ya know, like “don’t judge a person by the color of their skin”, instead its “don’t judge an animal by their species”.
I have nothing wrong with this movie wanting to teach children that lesson, but the reason I took half a star off my rating is because 1. I felt a little preached to while 2. the movie contradicted its own message at times.
Basically, while trying to teach children to not stereotype, the movie had some “animal” stereotypes (I mean, that just sounds ridiculous even saying, but they are talking animals, so that’s a thing in this movie. Right?) This added humor, but it also went against what they were trying to teach. That issue isn’t enough to take off an entire star over, though.
And because they threw in a Breaking Bad joke. Come on, you can’t dislike that.
Overall, it was a cute and fun animated film that definitely lived up to my expectations.
10 Comments
Ohmygosh!! FLASH!!!!!! I went into the theater having not seen the trailer!! So I was HYSTERICAL during the DMV scene. Like. . .to the point of not breathing. LOL. I loved Flash! He was funny, but I also have an unexplained sloth obsession! Haha
I agree with everything you said!! Such a perfect review!! I love that you reviewed a movie! Such a refreshing change to all books, all the time (not that I’m saying that’s bad).
I laughed so hard at the Breaking Bad reference! When I saw the lab, I kind of knew it was coming, but wasn’t sure if they’d actually follow through. I’m so glad they did!
I loved it and while the message of the film wasn’t all that subtle, I still think it was well done! (And seriously, some people need that reminder to slap them in the face. lol)
WASN’T THAT SCENE JUST PERFECTION?!
I actually review lots of movies! Monday is my “Movies & More Monday” day – so I talk about everything that ISN’T books (tv, movies, video games, music – but mainly movies and tv!) So, thank you for the recognition 🙂
The message definitely was NOT subtle haha I just thought it ironic that they were teaching not to stereotype while stereotyping animals (again, weird to say, but they kind of did lol ).
Still, an excellent movie!
I am so excited to see this but it is not out yet here in the UK, it looks brilliant!
Really? When does it come out?!
My local cinema shows end of this week, so soon!
ah yes! Let me know what you think when you see it!
I am really looking forward to see this one, it sounds like a great movie. The concept of a zoo town sounds fun and all the talking animals. I agree that sometimes a message in kids films can feel a little preachy, but if it’s not too overdone I usually don’t mind too much.
Yeah, I understand wanting to teach kids certain lessons. So I think that’s why I was more lenient when it came to that. It’s not too bad though, I could handle it lol
I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE. Seriously. I am so excited. It actually makes me really happy that kids movies these days, like this and Inside Out still have super strong themes and lessons for kids, and hollywood isn’t just making cartoon movies just because.
OMG Inside Out is AMAZING. I cried. I cried in an animated film. (well, The Lion King does that to me too) lol