Zootopia 2

Zootopia 2
Starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster
Directed by Jared Bush & Byron Howard

In 2016, "Zootopia" became a surprise hit for Disney, an original movie that grossed over $1 billion dollars worldwide and earned the movie an Academy Award for Best Animated Film. The exploits of cop Judy Hopps and con artist Nick Wilde was endearing to audiences, with deep emotional subject matter that adults could relate to with lavish, wonderful animation that made children's eyeballs glued to the screen. It was what an animated film needed to be on every level, and a sequel was all but guaranteed. Then the years passed one after another, and it seemed that a second adventure was all but forgotten - until now, almost ten years later, with a return trip to Zootopia. Proving time has no detriment to pure talent, the sequel far exceeded even the highest expectations and shattered worldwide records, earning over $1 billion dollars in just a few short weeks. It's no surprise, because the second outing is just as magical as the first, with new characters that further advances the lore of the world and gives us more excitement for an obvious third outing.

One week after Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) became partners at the Zootopia Police Department after thwarting the evil mayor Dawn Bellwether, the two find their dueling personalities at odds - Judy is by-the-books, energetic, and optimistic while Nick - a former con artist - doesn't mind bending the rules, is more grounded and suspicious, and bitterly sarcastic. After they botch a case, their boss - Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) - threatens to separate them if they don't attend couples' counseling and stay out of trouble. However, Judy uncovers a shocking secret about Zootopia, and why it doesn't allow aquatic animals in the city. Going against the rules, Judy and Nick go undercover where they find a snake - a creature not seen in Zootopia for decades - attempting to steal an old journal made by Zootopia's founder that details the creation of weather walls that controls Zootopia's climate zones. At first seen as a villain, Judy and Nick learn that the snake named Gary (Ke Huy Quan) is trying to bring his family back to Zootopia and knows that the journal is harboring a secret that could bring down the entire family dynasty of its founders.

What makes "Zootopia" so endearing is the connection between Judy and Nick, a duality that's as old as time when it comes to movies, known as the "mismatched buddy cop comedy." Proving opposites attract, Judy's stern adherence to the rules and Nick's rule-breaking persona show that they can really achieve anything, because they exhibit the best of both worlds. The second film focuses more on this, and shows how it could also be a detriment. Judy is loving, carefree, and fun while Nick is subdued, quiet, and sarcastic, hiding a past that he keeps hidden from everyone, even Judy. Yet it never seems Judy is interested in knowing his life, but wants to keep him as her partner because of the deeper bond they share. It's fascinating to see them work together and how they also are very different in the process. Nick is protective of Judy, while she almost doesn't give him a second thought in certain situations, especially when they're trying to capture Gary. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman have natural chemistry, and seeing them back in action again is a breath of fresh air.

Many people consider sequels unimportant, or as a cash grab to take advantage of a well-known IP. Yet "Zootopia 2" bucks this mold by introducing a slew of new, fun, exciting characters that further flushes out the town's unique personality. Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan is the best addition as Gary, a snake that at first seems to be the bad guy, but turns out to only want to bring his family back to the city that his great grandmother help found, and clear their bad name. Ke Huy Quan is one of Hollywood's most beloved actors, and allows that characteristic to play into Gary's vocal performance so effortlessly it's nearly criminal. Andy Samberg stars as Pawbert Lynxley, the runt of the powerful Lynxley family who helped found Zootopia and wants to prove himself a better animal. Fortune Feimster steals the show as beaver podcast host and conspiracy theorist Nibbles Maplestick, who joins Judy and Nick in their quest due to her knowing the ins and outs of the aquatic world. 

To further expand on the original, "Zootopia 2" also introduces audiences to new areas of the city in lavish, awe-inspiring animation. From a dry desert to the coastal setting that houses the aquatic animals and a thrilling Alpine-like mountain, the visual locations are every inch as beautiful as the animations of the animals themselves, proving that Disney didn't just make this as a cheap cash grab, but carefully, meticulously, crafted a story that took nine years to make - and hopefully not another nine for "Zootopia 3."

The Score: A+