Movies & TV / Reviews
Zootopia 2 Review
Image Credit: Disney
Loading...
Directed By: Jared Bush and Byron Howard
Written By: Jared Bush
Runtime: 107 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated PG for action/violence and rude humor.
Ginnifer Goodwin – Judy Hopps
Jason Bateman – Nick Wilde
Ke Huy Quan – Gary Da’Snake
Fortune Feimster – Nibbles Maplestick
Andy Samberg – Pawbert Lynxley
David Strathairn – Milton Lynxley
Patrick Warburton – Mayor Brian Winddancer
Danny Trejo – Jesús
Idris Elba – Chief Bogo
Nate Torrence – Benjamin Clawhauser
Macaulay Culkin – Cattrick Lynxley
Brenda Song – Kitty Lynxley
Quinta Brunson – Dr. Fuzzby
Bonnie Hunt – Bonnie Hopps
Don Lake – Stu Hopps
Shakira – Gazelle
Maurice LaMarche – Mr. Big
Leah Latham – Fru Fru
John Leguizamo – Antony Snootley
Alan Tudyk – Duke Weaselton
Roman Reigns – Zebro Zebraxton
CM Punk – Zebro Zebrowski
Disney returns to the wild anthropomorphic animalia world of Zootopia in the new sequel, Zootopia 2. Picking up not long after the events of the first film, Zootopia 2 continues the intricate worldbuilding of the fully realized, vibrant world of the first movie by answering a crucial, burning question: where are all the reptiles? Surely, in a world such as Zootopia, where animals evolved into sentient, walking-talking beings, there would be some evolved, cold-blooded species as well, right? Well, Zootopia 2 answers and showcases why there are no snakes, lizards, or other reptiles throughout the various worlds and habitats.
Zootopia 2 excels at combining worldbuilding and strong storytelling. It utilizes the questions concerning the lack of lizard and reptilian species from the first movie as the basis for the new movie. Judy Hopps (Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Bateman) are back, and they’re riding high after cracking their big case and saving Zootopia in the first film. This time around, they stumble upon a new mystery that risks toppling the very foundations and power structure of Zootopia.
The snakes and reptiles have been exiled from Zootopia and have been living abroad after a documented snake attack that occurred one hundred years earlier. However, a snake, aptly named Gary Da’Snake (Huy Quan), has been smuggled into the city, stealing a crucial historical item. However, despite snakes and reptiles possessing a fearsome reputation, Gary appears to be completely docile and good-natured.
Much to Nick’s chagrin, Judy ropes him into a new case where the animal coppers uncover Zootopia’s hidden reptile colony, proving that many people’s longstanding prejudices and outdated views about reptiles are completely wrong. However, certain parties in power of the city want to make sure that some secrets remain buried.
In the meantime, Judy and Nick, despite forging their partnership in the last movie, struggle to keep their friendship afloat, with Nick hiding his true feelings underneath a veneer of humor. Judy likes to look before she leaps and dives headfirst into the new case, while Nick acts indifferently, his carefree vibe hiding a much more personal emotional conflict. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately to some, Zootopia 2 does not seek to develop their relationship beyond a deep and platonic friendship.
Considering that Zootopia uses different animal species as a metaphor for interracial relations, prejudices, and social biases, one would think that inter-species relationships in this world would also be ripe for exploration as a stand-in for interracial romances. However, the movie does not go there, beyond a gag, when Nick and Judy are undercover. The feelings between Nick and Judy run deep, but Zootopia 2 keeps them strictly in the friend zone.
Besides the new reptilian characters, Zootopia 2 introduces a fun, new supporting character, EweTuber and underground conspiracy theorist, Nibbles Maplestick (Feimster). Nibbles acts as an informant and guide for Nick and Judy through another new, exciting, and previously unexplored biosphere of Zootopia, the Marsh Market.
Nibbles is a lot of fun, and the scenes in the Marsh Market highlight how much thought and planning go into the world of Zootopia. For example, the Marsh Market showcases more of the underwater mammals who did not have much of a role in the first movie, including walruses and dolphins. Additionally, the Marsh Market reveals that ichthyological creatures have not yet evolved in the world, and the carnivorous species still use them as a food source. Well, at least we now know one way that the carnivorous mammals can get alternative sources of protein, along with worms and bugs, which the reptiles also enjoy.
Gary stands out as an amusing new character, but his dialogue grows a bit repetitive at times, while Nibbles steals many of her scenes. Nibbles initially comes off as overly friendly and talkative, but she’s far wiser and worldlier than she appears.
The only major drawback, from a narrative standpoint, is that the sequel follows some overly familiar tropes and plot twists from the original, one of which Judy references in a near meta, fourth-wall-breaking moment. However, even with the plot’s similarities, writer Jared Bush keeps things interesting by focusing on the characters’ strengths and exciting action scenes.
Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard, who directed the first movie, and the Walt Disney Animation team really went all out in showcasing new areas both inside and outside of Zootopia. All the new areas look visually stunning and highly detailed and full of visual storytelling, so there are dozens of stories that could further explore the Zootopian community. One could likely watch Zootopia 2 multiple times and continue to find new Easter eggs and details hidden in the background.
Ultimately, Zootopia 2 begs the question of why it took so long to get a sequel in the first place, considering the first movie came out over nine years ago. The sequel ends on a moment that generates excitement for the next installment. It would be a shame if Zootopia 3 takes another nine years to make, because although the sequel covers quite a bit, it appears that creators Bush and Howard have only scratched the surface of the world.
The movie teases another burning question the first movie raised. Waiting another nine years for another movie sounds insane, so hopefully Zootopia 3 arrives more quickly. In a marketplace oversaturated with sequels and reboots, at least Zootopia 2 gets things right in providing a natural expansion and exploration into the vibrant world that audiences fell in love with almost ten years ago. It would be a delight to visit it again sooner rather than later.
Where To Watch Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2 arrives in theaters on November 26. Details on showtimes and tickets are available at the movie’s website.
