I was a little worried about Zootopia 2 when that first teaser dropped — showing little more than just the characters dancing. No story, no stakes, and nothing to tell you this wasn’t a cash-grab sequel shoved into theaters. But the movie proves the opposite. The writers anchored it to a real-world social issue that rarely gets screen time in family films: gentrification. And The Goonies and Poltergeist don’t drive the message home like Zootopia 2.
This world’s strength is its diversity. Animal species represent race in the cleverly designed ecosystem of Zootopia, which allows the movie to explore everything from cultural stereotypes to systemic oppression without getting heavy-handed.
This time around, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde face new pressure after cracking the biggest case the city has seen in years. You know – the dreaded sophomore follow-up. Hopps and Wilde are a good pair because Hopps wants to make the world better but struggles navigating the city. Wilde understands how the city works but is afraid to stick his neck out to help make it better. Together, they turn each other’s weaknesses into strengths.
From the top, Zootopia 2 feels like it’s going to follow the first movie’s template. But it frees itself once the real conflict comes into focus, which is the forced exile of reptiles after a decades-old criminal investigation that reeks of prejudice.
See? Real stakes. Yet, again, the movie never gets too heavy. Zootopia is a lively, pulsing world where constant species interactions lead to funny bits that make you laugh and establish this world’s rules. There are also several clever cultural references — one Ratatouille joke had me dying.
And while the first movie’s story was a little tighter, Zootopia 2 has more heart. Hopps and Wilde have to face the cracks in their partnership if they’re going to stay best friends and true partners. Their developing friendship fuels both movies.
Zootopia 2 has a fast-paced energy and creative flair that pushes it beyond its police-procedural roots. And it’s a rare family film willing to talk about the displacement of minority communities and how their contributions get erased from history.
Pour a bubbly beverage to match the film’s pace. But keep your head mostly clear. You don’t want to choke up during one of the film’s well-earned emotional climaxes.
🎬🎬🎬
Where to watch
Rating: PG (Me: 5+)
Director: Jared Bush and Byron Howard
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Andy Samberg
Run time: 1h 48m
Post-credits scenes: A Burning Mammal concert (it’s a stretch of an animal pun — not mine) and a post-credits scene.
Sequel? Not formalized. But we all know it’s happening.
If you liked Zootopia 2, check out these films:
- Inside Out (2015) (5+)
- Animalympics (1980) (4+)
- The Great Mouse Detective (1986) (5+)
- Rango (2011) (6+)
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