"Zootopia 2" Surprisingly Solid.

 

    I'm going to be honest. I had no intention of watching this film today, though I do remember enjoying watching the first film in theaters all those years ago. Honestly, considering how hungry Disney feels for sequels and franchising, I'm surprised this film wasn't made sooner, I do not remember the first Zootopia film being almost 10 years ago. Even still, I have to admit this film impressed me, which is really a big surprise in my eyes, especially when you consider that this film takes place practically a month after the first film. And also, they somehow managed to make this film about racism again? At a certain point, you have to start questioning it. So let's talk about it.

    Let's start off with what I didn't like, which is surprisingly minimal. On one hand, I think the way they tried to highlight the differences between Judie and Nick was good, and important since they literally did one job together. I do think that both of their opposing viewpoints are understandable and justifiable, Nick is just trying to get by, and feels some sense of apathy, believing that in a system this corrupt he should only do as much as he can, and accept what he can't. Judy on the other hand wants to put her life on the line. Both valid viewpoints, but my issue is that they have this argument right after Judy almost kills them both. It's just hard to try and morally highroad Nick when you're putting lives other than your own at risk without even asking them.

    Of course, it's important to mention that in an argument it matters less who is right, and coming to an understanding, and that's what the characters do. But to that point I'd say while it's nice they were able to hash things out between each other, it felt a little thin because they were basically blurting out their confessions as fast as they could to move it along. Their actions in the scene right before were much more impactful in my opinion. Which could be countered with the simple fact that it's a kids film, to which I say you're probably right. That's about all the complaining I have though, while I don't really get how the temperature walls work (aka how they make such a big deal about how important it is yet animals like Judy and Nick can cross it pretty much with impunity), and I wasn't the biggest fan of Nibbles, this movie had some funny moments.

    And honestly? In a kids film if there's a scene that can make me laugh at my old age of 22 I see that as a victory for the film. Like I do love Gary in this film, or Mayor Winddancer, but I also think I just love Patrick Warburton's voice because he always reminds me of Kronk (10/10 film btw). I don't think I really cringed at many scenes, and pleasantly enjoyed a lot of the references. It's just a solid kids film, I don't really have much else to say about it, other than the fact that I think they did it well for a sequel. I was able to suspend my disbelief, and I think they continue to find inventive ways to have animals coexist and live together which is fun to watch.

Final Score: 70/100

    I don't really understand how clothes work in this film. So like they talk about how in Marshland you don't even need pants to be served, but Shakira's character is also like always surrounded by these shirtless tigers? I wonder what other low-hanging fruit they have to explore with this universe. I do ultimately think they left a door open by letting all of those criminals free, and them talking about other cities/places outside of Zootopia was cool, but also like? They're just living in racistville basically? Also I can't tell if they're not allowed to make Judy and Nick a couple or don't want to? Frankly, the way they framed them in this movie it's just like they don't know each other very well anyways? Also I don't know if they want to approach that love bridge or else people will start remembering that Zootopia abortion comic? And yes I did manage to get through the whole review without mentioning that comic once because it randomly started popping up on social media around the time of this films release so I'm proud of myself for that.