A Look Back at Zootopia (2016)

 

Before we know it the sequel will be in theaters everywhere. So it's the same old story as before. Now let's look back at the first film shall we?

Zootopia is animated buddy comedy film that was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios with distribution being done by Walt Disney Pictures. The story was written by Jared Bush and Phil Johnston and directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore.

The story is, rookie cop Judy Hopps has been transferred to the wonderful city of Zootopia. At first she's given boring tasks like parking duty, but with the help of con man Nick Wilde they'll both try to figure why the predators of Zootopia have all of a sudden been going savage.

• Negatives

I've got nothing.

• Mix

Now let me get something straight first. I do find the story to be pretty good. I know nowadays we roll our eyes because every. single. piece. of. media wants to be or wants us to think it's some sort of sophisticated thesis or a nuance allegory. But at least Zootopia doesn't feel like it was talking down at it's audience like a lot stories I've watched and/or read about. But even with the story being as good as it is, you can start to quickly piece together where the message and themes are going. Especially when Nick reveals his backstory. So yes, we got an entertaining story but let's not kid ourselves and act like it broke the mold.

• Positives

Let's get the most obvious praise out of the way. The animation is incredible. Especially the city of Zootopia. Zootopia is gorgeous! There's beautiful visuals, the architecture has great bits of imagination, the details whether it's buildings or the fur on characters is spectacular, environments feel lived in, etc. The animation is amazing and it deserves it's spot as one of Disney's many best looking animated films.

Then there's the humor. This is a greatly funny movie. We all know the bit of the sloths being the ones to run the DMV, but there's also other funny bits as well. Like Judy's two screaming next door neighbors, there was also an "elephant in the room" bit that was pretty funny, and my personal favorite, Nick taking any chances he can to be a dick.

My last praise will go to the performances from Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. These two can hold their own when their characters aren't together, but their chemistry is awesome. Their push and pull dynamic is perfect, whenever they tease each other is very charming, and you can tell they had a blast. Goodwin and Bateman's chemistry is the heart of the entire movie and I can't wait to see or since they're voicing acting I should say hear what they'll bring for the sequel.

While I don't think this movie is as one big thoughtful allegory as I heard many people make it out to be whether it was back in 2016 or now, I still do love Zootopia. I found it to be a wonderfully fun movie and you should give it a watch.

My final rating is, Great.

So that's all for now. Come back on Monday, Nov 24th, for another Look Back at review. Only this time I'll be reviewing the fourth season of Stranger Things. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.