STUNNING MOVIE INSPIRES US TO CREATE A UTOPIA

(Notice: I did not receive anything for this review. My family paid for our tickets. The views expressed here are my own. In addition, I try to list anything that may be offensive to anyone, but that does not mean that I find it offensive or that you will find it offensive). Last night, my family and I went to see the much-hyped movie Zootopia. We were all excited about going to see it. Everything we have seen and read beforehand suggested that this was a fantastic movie. Rotten Tomatoes had the critic review at one-hundred percent. But I do not read any reviews beforehand. Keep reading for my Disney Movie Review Zootopia.

My family actually had the opportunity to watch an extended preview last month in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The extended preview left us in awe. The scenery was breathtaking, the storyline interesting, the characters adorable. We knew we wanted to see this movie.

Because of a previous commitment, we couldn’t see the movie until 9:40. That is too late for our youngest son. He is usually in bed by 9:00. I had him take a “nap” earlier so he could stay up later. That nap consisted of him laying on the couch for 15 minutes and then jumping around excitedly because we were going to see ZOOTOPIA.

DISNEY MOVIE REVIEW ZOOTOPIA 

Studio Synopsis

“From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes a comedy-adventure set in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Office Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case — even if it means partnering with scam artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery.”

My Synopsis:

The furry, lovable, adorable bunny, Judy Hopps (Voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But no bunny has ever become a police officer. Her family are bunny farmers (bunnies that run farms, not farmers that raise bunnies) that live in the little town of Bunnyburrow. She works hard, achieves her dream, graduates at the top of her class from the police academy, and is off to the big city, Zootopia, and the Zootopia Police Department.

The city of Zootopia is a utopia where all mammals live together in harmony – predator and prey alike. It is a great melting pot of all creatures. Mammals have evolved and are no longer carnivores. When Rookie officer Judy Hopps is assigned the duty of traffic cop, she is crushed, but she still performs to her full capacity. The first day, she surpasses all expectations but knows she can do more if she is allowed.

During one mundane shift, she meets the sly fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman). After he cons her, she manipulates him into working with her to find a missing otter who is one of several missing mammals. Together, these main characters face danger, travel throughout Zootopia, meet underworld characters, and learn that stereotypes can be overcome.

DISNEY MOVIE REVIEW ZOOTOPIA: THE GOOD

The scenery, the characters, the storyline – it all excites, entertains, inspires, and causes you to want to keep watching. This Disney film has beautiful animation. Additionally, there are great characters. Judy is energetic, lovable, and determined. 

Furthermore, there are wonderful messages in this film – work hard, and you can achieve your dreams; sometimes your dreams don’t turn out to be exactly what you had hoped for; there are good guys and bad guys in every species (race); don’t judge based on appearances.

IS THIS MOVIE SUITABLE FOR YOUR CHILD? FOR CONTENT THAT MAY SCARE SOME CHILDREN AND MY FINAL ANALYSIS, Keep Reading!

DISNEY MOVIE REVIEW ZOOTOPIA: What parents want to know

Language:

There is the use of oh my g-d. Crude language such as heck and darn occurs throughout the film. Additionally, there is unkind language such as dumb, jerk, and moron.

Violence:

A chase scene occurs at night through a rainforest which could be too intense for some children. There is an explosion and a scene when Nick was young and was bullied by other children. Additionally, in one scene, an animal leaps at the scream unexpectedly, and I jumped in my seat. One animal claws another animal’s face. Furthermore, buildings are destroyed during a chase through the city. A mobster is reminiscent of The Godfather with all the stereotypical accents and verbiage plays a villain.

Adult Content:

A “famous singer” named Gazelle (Shakira) wears a skimpy outfit and has shirtless male backup dancers. The song “Try Anything” is sung. 

A meditating yak runs a club with “naked animals,” and there are a few references to nudists and a pleasure pool. An animal visiting the “nudist camp” covers her eyes.

​Furthermore, a drug is used to cause the animals to act like animals. 

Deception:

Nick is a con artist and lies and cheats throughout the movie. (He is sly as a fox!)

Spiritual Content:

A polar bear makes the sign of the cross. Judy’s parents say, “Our prayers have been answered.” Someone makes a reference to “talking in tongues,” and another one says, “Hallelujah.”

DISNEY MOVIE REVIEW ZOOTOPIA: THE DIFFERENT

We were the only family in the theater. It was late, and there were only two other groups of people watching this animated movie. Two men were sitting across from us. The one had a deer head in his lap and was wearing a tail. The other group had four young men. As we were leaving the theater, we asked about the deer head. The man stated that he likes to dress as animals.

We realized that we were the only “non-furries” in the theater. Apparently, there is a vast subculture that call themselves furries that dress as various animals and go to conventions. Furthermore, the furries claim that Zootopia was written specifically for them. As I was researching furries, I was treated to some cute, adorable photos and some not-so-adorable photos – trust me, don’t google!

Some of my favorite quotes from the movie: “The World has always been broken.”

“Real Life is messy. We all have limitations. We all make mistakes.”

“Change starts with you, Change starts with me; Change starts with all of us.”

DISNEY MOVIE REVIEW ZOOTOPIA: MY FINAL ANALYSIS

There are critics who say this movie is about getting along across the races. Furries say this movie was written for them. Disney movies have portrayed anthropomorphic animals such as the animated Robin Hood, The Jungle Book, and Ratatouille. They understand that children have imaginations and talk to their stuffed animals, imaginary friends, and pets.

Additionally, Disney uses this to connect with children. This is a cute movie with messages that can be used to teach children about life – nobody is perfect; work hard and achieve your dreams; don’t hate people because they are different than you.

However, I will caution you to preview this movie if you have children under 6-7 years old or a child with sensory issues. My family liked this movie – my children are 11 and 13. It is visually stunning with a cute storyline. I know that my kids will want to see it again.

Be aware there is a message of diversity and that you can do anything and be anyone you want.

About the Movie Zootopia

Rating: PG rating for thematic elements, rude humor, and action

Release Date: March 4, 2016

Runtime: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Genre: Comedy/Animation

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore

Screenplay by: Jared Bush, Phil Johnston

Story by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush, Jim Reardon, Josie Trinidad, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee

Producer: Clark Spencer

Edited by: Fabienne Rawley, Jeremy Milton

Music by: Michael Giacchino

The Voice Cast of Disney Zootopia

Judy Hoops voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin

Nick Wilde played by Jason Bateman

Doug voiced by Rich Moore

Police Chief Bogo played by Idris Elba

Bellwether voice of Jenny Slate

Clawhauser voice of Nate Torrence

Bonnie Hopps voiced by Bonnie Hunt

Stu Hopps voiced by Don Lake

Yax voiced by Tommy Chong

Mayor Lionheart voiced by J.K. Simmons

Mrs. Otterton voiced by Octavia Spencer

​Duke Weaselton voiced by Alan Tudyk

Gazelle voiced by Shakira

Flash/Office Higgins voiced by Raymond S. Persi

​Young Hopps voiced by Della Saba

Mr. Big voiced by Maurice LaMarche

Gideon Grey/Young Gideon voiced by Phil Johnston

Drill Sergeant voiced by Fuschia

Jerry Jumbeaux Jr. – Moose – Pig Reporter – Jesse – Woolter all voiced by John DiMaggio

Badger Doctor voiced by Katie Lowes

Nangi voiced by Gita Reddy

Bucky Oryx-Antlerson – Travis voiced by Byron Howard

Pronk Oryx-Antlerson voiced by Jared Bush

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is Zootopia called Zootropolis?

Zootopia was retitled Zootropolis for some international areas. For instance, United Kingdom and Middle Eastern and North African countries it was renamed Zootropolis. It is a reference to a metropolis instead of a utopia.

Where can I stream Zootopia?

Zootopia can be found on Disney+.

Is Zootopia streaming on Disney+?

Yes, Zootopia is currently streaming on Disney+.

Is Zootopia streaming on Netflix?

No. Zootopia is a Disney movie and is not streaming on Netflix.

How much did Disney’s Zootopia cost to produce?

Zootopia had a budget of $150 million.

How much did Zootopia make at the box office?

Zootopia brought in $1.025 billion dollars at the box office.

How many different biomes are there in Zootopia?

Zootopia has twelve ecosystems which consist of the following: Ritzy Sahara Square, frigid Tundratown, Little Rodentia, Rainforest District, Savannah Central, Meadowlands, Outback Island, The Burrows, Canal District, Nocturnal District, The Bayou, and Mammal Mountain.

The Bayou: Swampy area

The Burrows: Houses Zootopia Fire Station and Zootopia University. Home to woodland animals.

Canal District: You can find the beach of Zootopia here along with water animals.

Little Rodentia: This town houses the littlest mammals which are mostly rodents.

Mammal Mountain: Home to snow leopards and Ibexes.

Meadowlands: Houses sheep and other grazing animals.

Nocturnal District: Inhabitated by animals that are awake at night.

Outback Island: Home to the “Australian” animals.

Rainforest District: This area is just as expected with rainforest animals and plants.

Sahara Square: This area is for desert-dwelling mammals.

Savannah Central: Located in the downtown area of Zootopia. Everything connects here!

Tundratown: This cold environment houses polar mammals.

Are there any other Zootopia films or cartoons?

There is an animated spin-off television series entitled Zootopia+. In November 2022, Disney+ released six episodes. 

Will there be a Zootopia 2?

In February 2023, Zootopia 2 was officially announced by Bob Iger (CEO of Disney). However, no release date was given.