Too much of Disney’s recent theatrical output has been substandard.
Bob Iger’s pledge to integrate AI-generated content into streaming is nothing short of insulting the human passion and creativity of Walt, the man who invented the Mouse.
Disney has so much technology to animate at their hands.
Fortunately, it’s shown off within this more than capable movie. It’s loaded with colour and smooth movement of characters in motion.
Zootopia 2 is a beautiful, wonderful, exciting display of what’s possible with their resources.
Audiences are reminded of what happened in Zootopia. It’s called Be-fur!
Rated PG for its action/violence, rude humour and, similar to the first Zootopia, containing peril, intense chase scenes, mild threats (like venom), name-calling (no profanity), and some scary moments.
Though considered family-friendly, due to these elements think twice before taking the ankle-biters and littlies.
Content, however, is suitable for many kids.
For adults, this is hugely entertaining. The high quality sequel plays to exact strengths as the original, but doesn’t repeat itself thematically. With its action and implausible stunts, there are times when you may think you’ve walked into a Liam Neesom actioner, except that it’s all computerised animation superbly accomplished.
The film has intense moments, including the wealthy and villainous Lynxleys (David Strathairn and Andy Samberg).
There is thematic darkness with homage to The Silence of the Lambs (1991).
Pig presence is expanded beyond the original film.
New characters include a Scottish boar, Captain Hoggbottom (Michelle Gomez) leading the SNFR (Specialised Neighbourhood and Forest Response) with partner Truffler (David Fane).
There, too, are the Razorbacks, a wild pig squad working with the police. It’s worth mentioning the pigs for the unexpected tummy-tickling homage to Babe (1995).
Animal puns also play a significant role in character dialogue.
The horse, Mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), an incompetent in a showy political position, comes across as a real hoot.
Brave rabbit police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her friend the fox, officer Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), team up again to crack a most sinister case, a mature conspiracy which focuses on how the rich expand their ambitions at the expense of those who are different.
Then they cover it all up by erasing history with propaganda.
Gee willikers! Give that some thought in today’s daily evolution of what’s reported in the news.
Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) wants all partners, especially Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, to prove they work together as a great team.
Are they partners in crisis, in need of therapy?
Gary De Snake (Ke Huy Quan) adds a necessary dynamic with the leads and manages both comedic and emotional moments, quite the achievement as his stereotype is frequently pictured as villainous and venomous.
All snakes have been banished from Zootopia, the district where they lived, Reptile Ravine, frozen over and abandoned due to a century-old conspiracy and prejudice.
One city founder was Ebenezer Lynxley who stole from Gary de Snake’s grandmother… anything more turns into a spoiler.
The adventure is as important as the message.
In case you miss the message, Aesop’s fabled film theme, it is told in a pragmatic statement after the case is wrapped, and I didn’t mind one bit the articulation of the obvious.
