ZOOTOPIA (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Zootopia—one of the best animated films, if not the best, of the decade—becomes the perfect choice for the adult/child share movie with scenes and dialogue that are sophisticated enough to strongly bridge both audiences. The writers did an outstanding job by producing a new, meaningful, full-of-heart script that fully fleshes out its characters. Nothing missing here. Great entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), a rabbit who lives in an evolved world where predator and prey get along, decides she wants to be a police rabbit among the hardier, stronger animals. She optimally uses her mental acuity to make up for her physical size and strength to perform admirably within a tough environment to become one of the best in her graduating class. That same mental agility allows her to perform outstandingly on the streets where she solves a difficult mysterious series of kidnappings, saves Zootopia, and guarantees her place in the policing world.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Directors Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stu Hopps (voice of Don Lake), Bonnie Hopps (voice of Bonnie Hunt), Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), Chief Bogo (voice of Idris Elba), Bellwether (Jenny Slate), Clawhauser (voice of Nate Torrence), Yax (voice of Tommy Chong), Mayor Lionheart (voice of J.K. Simmons), Mrs. Otterton (voice of Octavia Spencer), Duke Weaselton (voice of Alan Tudyk), Gazelle (voice of Shakira), Flash (voice of Raymond S. Persi), Young Hopps (Della Saba), and Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. It is an imaginative animated masterpiece…fresh, appealing, and worth more than one viewing. Watch for a familiar and welcome vocal talent behind the voice of the gazelle.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers