Zootopia 2 Review

 

Alright, the long awaited sequel is finally here. Let's hope it's just as good as the first.

Zootopia 2 is animated buddy cop comedy movie and the sequel to 2016's Zootopia. Production and distribution was yet again done by Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. Jared Bush is the only returning writer for the screenplay and he also directed with returning director Byron Howard.

The story is, Judy and Nick have been partners for the ZPD for one week and their clashing personalities are making their partnership very difficult. While trying to work out their issues especially after a botch smuggling ring, Judy thinks a snake was involved in the smuggling ring. Judy and Nick soon find this snake and before they know it their problems get even worse. Can Judy and Nick fix their personal problems and solve the case or will they fail and doom their friendship?

Initial Reaction

So it's a very simple explanation. I thought the first movie was really good and I wanted to see if the sequel was gonna be any better, even if we got two of the original crew.

Cons

I've got nothing.

Middle Ground

My only mix feelings are the story...again. First let's get the good out of the way first. I did enjoy how we explored Nick & Judy's friendship. We see what they agree on, what they disagree on, how their personalities clash with one another, what they mean to each other, and how they clash on their situation of being labeled fugitive and the villains wanting to kill them. Their bond and trying to work together is the heart of the story. Having said all of that where the story fumbles a bit is how we're revisiting old ground. Basically we got another prejudice themed storyline. I'd go into more detail but the best I can do is give hints. I mentioned a snake, and a snake is part a group of animals that start with r and rhymes with projectiles. So yeah, that's what the prejudice story focuses on now. And the only thing separating that prejudice storyline from the previous one is the conspiracy was bigger. So there's still a good story but we wind up with some familiar bits.

Pros

Now to the good stuff, starting with the pacing. Much like the first movie we get an easy to sit through movie. No time is wasted or anything. Then there's the humor. While I didn't find it as funny as the first, there was still plenty to laugh about which is why I'm not putting this part in the "Middle Ground" section. For instance, something that got a bigger laugh out of me then it should have was a little Ratatouille gag. The last thing I'll praise is the voice acting. Once again Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin's chemistry is the biggest highlight. Hearing them together again was joyful and whether it was a comedic scene or a real argument with their respected characters, these two and their performances are fantastic. But we also have newcomers like Ke Huy Quan who brings out a great amount of sympathy for his character Gary. Then there's Patrick Warburton, who I swear is one of the few actors who can get away with using the same voice over and over again and can still get a laugh out of everyone.

While the story does come with a repeat of a certain element from the previous film, this was still a really good sequel.

My final rating is, Good.

That's all for now. Come back on Monday, Dec 1st, where I'll start off the Christmas season with my Underrated Films review of The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.