A superior sequel
Summary
A solid sequel that delivers everything and more: a vibrant world, action-packed detective work from an unlikely duo, and at its core, a heartfelt story about misunderstood characters searching for a place to belong.
Plot: Rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde team up once again to crack a case involving a mysterious reptile – one that not only risks their city of Zootopia but tests their partnership like never before.
Review: Almost ten years after the first Zootopia graced our screens, Disney returns with a sequel that is just as bright and heartwarming as ever. In an era crowded with sequels and franchise expansions, you might expect Hopps and Wilde to get lost among Disney’s other beloved characters – and to be honest, compared with the ever-growing Marvel roster or princess lineup, they largely have. Even so, Zootopia 2 emerges as a surprisingly strong follow-up – perhaps even a new favourite.
Keeping the same formula as its predecessor, the film once again follows the unlikely rabbit-fox duo, Hopps and Wilde (Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman), as they race to crack a case that could save the city. The premise is promising yet familiar, but the story goes further this time, delving into the animal territories and struggles faced by so-called “lessor” species – paralleling issues we see in the human world.
It’s easy for viewers to relate, and we’re emotionally hooked from the start. The new cast of characters is a welcome addition, especially Gary (voiced by Ke Huy Quan) and our new favourite beaver conspiracist, Nibbles (Fortune Feimster). Hopps and Wilde fall right back into their groove, making them a delightful pair to watch. Their friendship continues to grow, and I wouldn’t complain if we got to see them tackle more cases across the city.
Unsurprisingly, the animation remains vibrant and richly detailed. Visually, the film is striking, particularly as we’re introduced to regions beyond Zootopia’s metropolis. There were some scenes that were also outright hilarious, it’s nice to see Disney being as self-aware as they are.
From the characters to the animation, every element feeds into the movie’s emotional core – an area where Disney truly knocks it out of the park. Zootopia may be a sleeper franchise to some, but it’s well on its way to becoming a classic with this great addition, one that resonates with audiences both young and old.
Zootopia 2 hits theatres this Wednesday, November 26th.