Foreshadowed by a wonderfully humorous trailer (below) and with Disney’s pedigree for quality content, will Zootropolis become one of the classics?…
Judy hops (Ginnifer Godwin) is a small town rabbit with big town ideas. Not content to live the life of a carrot farmer, she rebels against her parents’ fear of the metropolis and applies for the Police Academy. Overcoming the obstacles of her size and others’ perceptions of her place in society, she moves onwards towards her life as a city cop.
This journey into Zootropolis is where you feel the first buzz of excitement about just how good this film is about to be. Pumping ‘Gazelle’ (Shakira) through her iCarrot, Judy watches the world go by from the train’s observation point. Prepare to devour the beautiful landscape in all its subtleties and colour; from the frozen valleys full of ice flows carrying the morning commuters, to the rainforests and arid deserts. On arrival in Zootropolis, this new environment is just as spellbinding for us as it is for Judy. With tall arches for the giraffes, down to the smallest elevators carrying the business-mice, these details show just how much care and love went into building a living, breathing, believable world.
This new world is not, however, all Judy expected it to be. Beneath the glamour, there is danger, corruption, and a whole new way of life to learn. Along her path she meets many friends and enemies, who are all diverse and affecting characters. Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a wily street fox, becomes a somewhat unwilling companion on Judy’s journey, showing her what it takes to survive in the fast-moving city. Godwin and Bateman fulfil the lead roles with such chemistry that no line feels forced or awkwardly placed, and play off each other with great dynamism. Under the harsh-but-fair rule of precinct commander Boho (Idris Elba), the duo are given an ultimatum to solve the case of the rogue predators. Tracking down a shadowy criminal shrouded in mystery, not only is their courage and friendship challenged, but their perceptions and morality too. The depth to the story, in my opinion, is more relevant and well-implemented than Inside Out, which is currently held in the highest regard. The plot and jokes work across the ages with more flair and in a less obvious way to create a seamless and enjoyable family hit!
In a time where there is so much fear and hatred in society across the planet, Zootropolis is refreshing to watch; full of humour, hope, unabridged messages of tolerance, social harmony, and understanding. These messages are building blocks for a genuinely great story that can be understood by all ages, without trying to ram its point home. So far this year it is the most enjoyable box office film (after The Revenant) that I have seen.
Author – Joe, Bath store
