Zootopia: a Success, or a Rotten Carrot?

Click the pic to buy the movie on Amazon. :)

Okay, when I first heard of Zootopia, I thought it would be one of those standard kids films that was just kind of "meh," to say the least.  I mean, we've all seen those just "okay" kids movies that have come out and have lacked that stimulation of the imagination that kids and adults alike seek when they go watch a G or PG animated film.  Or any film for that matter...  I'm glad to say that Zootopia defied all of my expectations though, as it provided entertainment and imagination that not many animated films are giving us these days.

Oh, the "Big," yet ironically small donut.  ;)

What is so great about Zootopia? Well, for starters, the characters are well-designed and aren't without personality.  It really is a shame when you go see a movie and you don't even feel a connection with a character due to their lack of personality... Zootopia, however, succeeded in telling the story, while allowing you to get to know not only the main characters, but also their friends, family and acquaintances. With that, the characters are funny, like actually funny! I say "actually," because I am sick of watching jokes fall flat on screen, or just getting the same exact types of jokes over and over.  Contrary to other films with flat comedy, this film really pleased me in this aspect: the jokes were original and, not only that, but they also have the capacity to appeal to adults and children.  For example, the reference to The Godfather? It was funny and potentially generic, turned original.  Why was this overused comedic reference still original? You see, they put a unique spin on it by making the godfather a mole who is ironically named "Mr. Big." Still not convinced? The protagonists play on this irony by 1.) exaggerating the difficulty of kissing Mr. Big's tiny ring and 2.) saving Mr. Big's daughter in her tiny mole town from an ironically small donut sign. So, they pulled off an overused reference to The Godfather by getting creative with it, while at the same time referring to a film adults know about and just hitting the mark when it comes to comedy that appeals to all ages.  Good job, Zootopia!

With that, I read a review on the movie that questioned it for some "sexual content." In response, I say: "umm.... no!"  There was no overtly "sexual content" to speak of, at least in my opinion.  What the reviewer I mentioned was referring to was the section of the film when the protagonists find themselves in a sort of nudist colony for animals.  I actually thought this was hilarious and that it was characteristic of that innovative spirit that this film has to offer.  The animals were not even technically naked, which was the funny thing.  You see, Lt. Judy Hopps thought the colony obscene because the animals were not wearing human clothing as she and the "normal" animals were.  So, from this, we can see that this scene was tactfully done to be purposefully ironic.  It was made to get a laugh out of you without actually being inappropriate.  I think kids love that kind of stuff anyway, so I'd say it was not an issue at all and really shouldn't be terrible for any children out there who see the movie.  In fact, I think kids would love this film because it gives them the opportunity to see all types of humor and to not be so censored that they only get lame jokes that are only fit for a two-year-old.

Lt. Hopps was really determined and therefore a very inspiring character! Hopps is a good, strong female lead without saying,"look at me, I am a woman and I'm totally strong!" which is unfortunately what many modern films and TV shows do... Instead, she proves her strength on her own with success and accomplishment.  Go Hopps! :)

Other than that, the graphics were outstanding: the characters were well-designed (and very cute!), the scenery was incredibly diverse and creative, and it was just fun to watch in general.  Your eyes will not regret seeing this treat!  That said, it was standard for modern Disney films, so I can't necessarily say that it was the best film ever visually speaking.  What I mean is that it wasn't so much a novelty in animation as it was a success in creativity.

Ahhh, the notoriously "fast," yet oh-so slow sloth at the DMV!  We've all
been there, have we not?

The story was pretty fun too and it did not seem to get stale.  I'd even go so far as to say that the story was fresh, fun, and just mysterious and spooky enough for a kids' feature.  I must admit, I expected to know exactly what would happen from start to finish, but then the movie proved to be a series of twists and turns coupled with funny jokes and different environments to see. Zootopia was great for this reason, and I think people might use the story of Zootopia as an example for movies to come because it was something fairly new.  Another thing I'd like to add about the story is that it was left ambiguous as to whether or not the protagonists would end up "together" as in a "relationship status" of sorts.  I actually like that they made the two characters first and foremost "partners" in defeating crime--they are simply great friends above all else.  The reason why I thought this was appealing is because it is such a cliché that the two main characters enter into a romantic relationship by the end of the film if they are a guy and a girl working together.  The end of the film didn't cut off any possibility of the two being in a relationship in the future, but left the viewers with the knowledge that the protagonists had a sustainable relationship that could become anything that the two characters will it to be in the future. So, they leave it to your imagination and give the protagonists time to actually get to know one another without smooching on screen.  Cute alternative to the typical ending we see in Hollywood!  

He is just so cute!  I just want to cuddle him.  ^_^

In sum, see this movie.  If you think it's going to be a drag, sorry to disappoint you, but it's not!  You won't regret seeing this film, whether you are 5 or 55, 8 or 88--it's just a fun, creative treat for all.  And it's funny too!  The versatility of Zootopia proves it a success of a film in an era of children's movies that are just kinda "okay."

Characters: 95, Story: 100, Animation: 98, Music: 85 (because there was one great original song, but the rest of it did not seem memorable), Overal Quality: 98

Average Score: 95.2

Recommendation: SEE IT!  Buy it, rent it, go back in time and watch it in theaters--whatever floats your boat.  I just recommend experiencing this movie because it is awesome.

Corey Cherrington 
(Pragmus Sigma)
Chief Editor