“Zootopia” offers vivid view of animal-oriented society

By: Alex Malawski, Reporter

Synopsis: From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. When Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law. Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case. Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a wily fox who makes her job even harder.

Rate: B (84%)

Walt Disney’s latest animation creation is nothing short of a masterpiece, shedding light on the importance of acceptance and tolerance. Zootopia uniquely illustrates these themes by using animals instead of humans in the film.

The film also delivers vivid settings while exaggerating the actual job of animals in the world. The use of exaggeration and irony adds a humorous tone to the plot. Judy Hopps, the protagonist of the film played by Ginnifer Goodwin, does an outstanding job as she encompasses an enthusiastic vibe to the role.

Her character faces various challenges throughout the film as she tries to accomplish her goal of being the first Bunny Cop.  At the start of Zootopia, Judy faces backlash from a minor antagonist, who disapproves of Judy’s dream to become a police officer. Judy’s parents also didn’t approve at first as they became aware of her ambition; instead, they would prefer Judy chose a more realistic job, such as a carrot farmer. After tough training and hard work at the Animal Police Academy, Judy achieves her dream. Soon thereafter, Judy’s parents accept her wishes, and she makes her departure from her small hometown of Bunnyburrow.

Then on the job, Judy meets Nick Wilde, an eccentric and snobbish fox, played by Jason Bateman. Throughout the film, the two have quite an up and down friendship, due to their conflicting personalities.

Though this movie is just shy of two hours, it does have plenty to keep audiences of all ages engaged with its humor and colorful sceneries.

Directors of the film Rich Moore, Byron Howard, and Jared Bush did a stellar job at sneaking in a few references from other films, and being clever as to changing the names of popular stores to fit the animal-oriented perspective.

With colorful settings, exaggerated approach of animal life and a quality script, Zootopia proves wildly entertaining.