Disney's Zootopia sequel, released in 2025, failed to recapture the bite and nuance of its critically acclaimed predecessor. While still a fun and entertaining romp for kids, it falls short in delivering an impactful story with meaningful themes.
Set shortly after the events of the original film, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now officially partners at the Zootopia Police Department. As they delve into a new case involving a sweet pit viper, a sinister family of billionaire lynxes, and a lost part of the city, they must confront their own prejudices, fears, and the machinations of a city that would prefer to see them fail.
Unfortunately, the sequel relies more on chases and animal puns rather than providing nuanced storytelling with depth. The themes of gentrification, fear of the unknown, and the cold calculations of the wealthy are present but lack the emotional heft of the original.
The animation, while colorful and diverting, lacks the enveloping quality of its predecessor. The lush Rainforest District from the first film is a highlight, whereas in Zootopia 2, even with 3D, I found myself less transported to the vibrant metropolis.
Despite this, there's no hint of cynicism or cash-grabbing here. The central mystery pays homage to classic noir films like Chinatown and The Third Man, and the script genuinely loves its characters, making them three-dimensional animal cops. It may not capture the same ephemeral magic as the original, but it's still a predictable – yet enjoyable – animated adventure.
As long as these lovable anthropomorphized animals continue to teach kids about acceptance, love, and important values through their adventures, I'm more than happy to watch. Your kids and theirs should be too, even if they don't quite match the original's bite.
Set shortly after the events of the original film, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now officially partners at the Zootopia Police Department. As they delve into a new case involving a sweet pit viper, a sinister family of billionaire lynxes, and a lost part of the city, they must confront their own prejudices, fears, and the machinations of a city that would prefer to see them fail.
Unfortunately, the sequel relies more on chases and animal puns rather than providing nuanced storytelling with depth. The themes of gentrification, fear of the unknown, and the cold calculations of the wealthy are present but lack the emotional heft of the original.
The animation, while colorful and diverting, lacks the enveloping quality of its predecessor. The lush Rainforest District from the first film is a highlight, whereas in Zootopia 2, even with 3D, I found myself less transported to the vibrant metropolis.
Despite this, there's no hint of cynicism or cash-grabbing here. The central mystery pays homage to classic noir films like Chinatown and The Third Man, and the script genuinely loves its characters, making them three-dimensional animal cops. It may not capture the same ephemeral magic as the original, but it's still a predictable – yet enjoyable – animated adventure.
As long as these lovable anthropomorphized animals continue to teach kids about acceptance, love, and important values through their adventures, I'm more than happy to watch. Your kids and theirs should be too, even if they don't quite match the original's bite.