It’s so refreshing to see a children’s film
that has so much going for it. Zootopia’s palette and visual effects
are beautifully dimensional and the picture contains endearing and diverse
animal characters that behave so human, some really fine observations about our
own species can be drawn from them in terms that children can easily
grasp. The basic point is that
viewing and treating others as stereotypes can be misguided and even dangerous,
especially when simplistic explanations are used to “understand” them. Or assumptions are made such as “we may
have evolved, but deep down we’re still animals that can go savage.” On the other hand, it’s demonstrated
that kindness and genuine charm can be supremely effective in winning
cooperation from others.
Judy Hopps (Goodwin) is a perky rabbit
determined to become a police officer despite everyone from her family to her
friends and co-workers openly discouraging her from the notion. But she is determined (“I don’t know
when to quit”), and is “quick as a bunny” and smart as a whip. She graduates from training first in
her class, bids goodbye to Bunny Burrow, and boards the train for Zootopia
(which, of course, she regards as utopian). Her goals have the same utopian quality; she plans to unite
the “vicious predator with the meek prey” so that everyone can live in harmony.
But her anticipations are not met, and sure
enough others refer to her as a “stupid carrot farming dumb bunny”, even the
police chief, who assigns her to be a meter maid. She provides valuable modeling for children in coping with
such a job situation. That is,
instead of 100 tickets she is supposed to issue, she will issue 200; but, in
addition, she keeps her eyes and ears open, and soon sees an opportunity for
real police work that she hopes will allow her to “make the world a better
place.”
Judy’s parents have warned her about foxes, and
she soon encounters a wily one by the name of Nick Wilde (Bateman). (All the names of characters relate to
the metaphors used in the film’s story.)
They have a contentious, bargaining relationship at first; she is wary
and he is cynical, and each has to earn the other’s respect. It’s rewarding to see their friendship
develop across time into a trusting, collaborative partnership.
The filmmakers include major intrigues to
heighten interest and excitement and lend a bit of scariness to the plot;
namely that of a serious problem of mammals disappearing. It will take Judy and Nick some time to
figure out what is going on, amidst some misunderstandings, misinterpretations,
and mistakes in interpreting the data.
Both will develop valuable insights into themselves and their friendship
in the process.
For fun, the film has clever little jokes
sprinkled throughout, such as Lucky Charms cereal labeled “Lucky Chomps” and
all the workers in the DMV being sloths maddeningly slow and methodical in
their responses. And it has
helpful maxims: “If the ones in
power can make the prey fear the predator, their power is assured.
Walt Disney Studios and Directors Byron Howard,
Rich Moony and Jared Bush have created a highly entertaining but substantive
picture that can be enjoyed by all ages of viewers.
Striving for a utopian society by a
most unlikely pair.
Grade: A By Donna
R. Copeland
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