The strongest element in Zootopia 2 is its world-building and how it connects the expansion of the Zootopia geography and politics with an allegory of our current global condition. Zootopia was already a rich world from the first movie but the second one dives deeper into its history and is unafraid of relating it to real-world issues like erasure, discrimination, and xenophobia (in this case, amongst other species). When the movie revolves around this, it really finds its center and shines. However, the film can get pretty chaotic, and the character dynamics, which thrusts the narrative forward, is a disjointed discussion that favours one character’s flaws over another that can be misinterpreted in many ways.
Following directly after the events of the first film, Zootopia 2 continues the story of Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who are now partners in the Zootopia Police Department. Having saved the city, all eyes are on them but their personalities constantly clash, and Judy’s overbearing need to prove herself constantly puts her in the ire of the police chief and the rest of the department.
After a smuggling bust goes awry, Judy finds evidence that a snake may have entered Zootopia. Snakes, and other reptiles, have not been allowed in Zootopia for a hundred years. But after the mishap in the smuggling case, Judy and Nick are sent to partner therapy, but Judy goes on the case anyway to discover a snake (Ke Huy Quan) has gotten into Zootopia and he wants to steal a journal from the Lynxley family, a rich and powerful family in the city.
Throughout the film, Judy and Nick are constantly bickering. Judy is deadset in solving the case, while Nick is more than willing to let it go so as to not get into any more hot water with the chief. Throughout the film, Nick is constantly being led into trouble and danger because Judy is sure that something wrong is happening and she will save the day no matter what the cost. Considering the film is talking about partnership and trust, the film feels skewed towards favouring Judy over Nick. We are led to believe early on that Judy is right, so the film absolves her when she puts herself, Nick, and others in danger just to assuage her sense of right and wrong. It favours her gung-ho, no holds barred approach and never seems to take into account that Nick is doing everything in his power to keep Judy from getting into more trouble than she already is. The film talks about equal partnership but throughout the movie, it seems like Judy keeps taking and Nick has no choice but to follow along. It doesn’t feel equal to me, and it feels off considering this is a movie that is also pushing for cooperation, consideration, and true partnership.
I also find the film’s opening, Judy going against orders, to be such an overplayed trope that really needs reconsideration. The maverick stereotype, who is never truly humbled, is not an ideal example to show children.
Aside from that, Zootopia 2 really hits hard with its metaphor about racism and oppression; how the ruling class can rewrite or erase history while maintaining power, all in the guide of polite society. The movie also takes us down to Marsh Market, a district occupied primarily by marine mammals and that world is so interesting and such a fine contrast to the cosmopolitan allure of Zootopia. It feels rural or provincial and less elitist and when we see the world of the reptiles, the symbol becomes quite clear. While it is easy to relate Zootopia and its push back against reptiles as America versus minority races, this can be compared to any such sort of prejudice or divide, be it gender identity or preference, race, religion, or other divides.
The animation is beautifully rendered, allowing the world to truly come alive and engaging both kids and adults alike. There are quite a bit of action and a lot of gags, some are good and evoke laugh out loud responses while the others can get gimmicky. Regardless of my misgivings about the central dynamic between Judy and Nick, Zootopia 2 still has its charms and if they can continue to explore the other areas of Zootopia with the same way they did in Marsh Market, a third installment would be warranted.
My Rating:
Don’t miss the adventure, Zootopia 2 is still in theaters! Get your tickets today and join Judy, Nick, and the rest of Zootopia for an unforgettable adventure full of laughs, action, and stunning animation.
