“Zootopia” is a story about never giving up on yourself; this theme is evident throughout the movie from start to finish. There are also heavier and more complex topics woven throughout the course of the film, including moments of discrimination and racism which will escape the notice of young children but could perhaps spark a conversation with older children.
The films’ central character, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, of the TV series “Big Love” and “Once Upon a Time” fame) is a driven, moral bunny who from a young age desired nothing more than a career in law enforcement; a seemingly impossible dream according to her sensible parents. Determined, she enters the Zootopia police academy anyway and succeeds even though she is surrounded by large, predatory animals. She is later assigned to a precinct in the heart of Zootopia. This is an idyllic community where ‘anyone can be anything,’ and animals live in harmony; a true utopia in Judy’s eyes.
As Judy journeys into the city to report for duty, she observes the city residents as they exist in the multiple different ecosystems; the visuals are beautiful here and the viewer can’t help but appreciate the landscapes as seen through Judy’s eyes. Her eagerness and excitement to begin her new career is apparent; here she can barely sit still, and one can only hope she retains that sense of joy and wonder as the story unfolds.
Judy eagerly arrives for her first day on the job, and Zootopia’s police chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba) assigns her to parking duty. Trying her best to avoid growing despondent over her inability to work the cases she longs to, overachiever Judy presses on, until she encounters who she initially believes is a suspicious fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman).
The pair form an unexpected friendship, and together they stumble across a conspiracy which has spread to the top of the Zootopia government. The pair encounter numerous twists and turns along the way, and adults will appreciate the numerous parallels drawn between life in this richly developed animal world and our own (take note of the pair’s encounter at the Department of Mammal Vehicles).
As the story unfolds, this police work initially provides Judy with a sense of satisfaction knowing she is growing professionally, however she still has work to do in terms of her own personal growth in order to bring this tale to its worthy close.
There are a number of excellent, family friendly films included in the Disney portfolio, and this 2017 recipient of the ‘Best Animated Feature’ Oscar is no exception. “Zootopia” is sure to raise important questions about both inclusion and perseverance; Judy shows us that you have to dig deep to achieve your dreams, and be open minded to finding support and friendship in the most unexpected of places. It’s a worthy film sure to be enjoyed by children and parents alike.
