By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Zootopia puts Disney at the front of the line with the first animated film kids and parents will really want to see in 2016. It delivers with not only a rich look to the flick, but the story is a winner. So often animated films work so hard at preaching a message to children and throwing in enough humor to keep parents entertained. Zootopia walks the fine line well enough to earn loyal fans from both parities.
In Zootopia the mammals have found a way to co-exist peacefully. The predators and their usual prey live together in harmony, including yoga instructing elephants (a sight you won’t be able to unsee for a minute). But even in this animal paradise, who would imagine a rabbit becoming a cop? Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) is one determined bunny and nothing – not even the suggestion by her parents that she should tone down her ambitions will stop her in her pursuit to be the first rabbit cop. She certainly gets a less than warm welcome from her boss (Idris Elba) once she actually completes the police academy, but even that won’t deter her. When Police Chief Bogo relegates her to meter maid duties she sets a goal of getting more than 200 tickets before Noon – and of course she does just that!
Through a do go moment she is introduced to a flustered father fox named Nick (Justin Bateman) who just wants to buy a frozen treat for his toddler. Of course, he is being sly as a fox (come on you knew it was coming) as Nick is an enterprising con artist. Even with her father’s fierce warning to be careful of all foxes, Judy and Nick eventually become allies after she outfoxes the fox (another pun you should have seen coming). The furry duo are trying to stem the tidal wave of fear that is building in Zootopia because of the missing mammals and the suggestion that predators are on the prowl, after all it is in their DNA.
As our headlines are filled constantly with themes related to race relations, this flick can be a way to have a conversation about acceptance and appreciation of others. The movie is not heavy handed but it clearly is trying to address issues about racial profiling, the subtle prejudices we give ourselves permission to feel OK about and how inappropriate our actions can be because sometimes we don’t know better. When you hear the lamb proclaim “You can’t just touch a sheep’s wool!” many of us with natural hair will recognize the sentiment.
This is certainly animated flick you want to enjoy in 3D so you can be immersed in the color drenched utopia of Zootopia. Seeing the film at the IMAX theater was a treat. And with box office estimates of over $60 million, it is very likely many of you will check out the film in theaters on Friday, March 4.
Zootopia is a interested carton for both parent and their babies