Disney's Zootropolis (also known as Zootopia) is an enjoyable and imaginative film, unexpectedly blending the classic comedy elements of a family film with parts of the cop drama genre. The result is a lighthearted, gripping movie about a rabbit, Judy Hopps, who dreams of being a 'real' police officer. She moves to the city of Zootropolis, where both predators and prey supposedly live in harmony. However, the reality turns out to be more complicated, with prejudice between the two remaining. When Judy finally gains a substantial case, it is to find one of fourteen missing animals. Working on the case with her is con-artist fox Nick Wilde.
The city of Zootropolis is a very diverse setting, with the city's districts being based on different habitats. This amplifies the sense of adventure in the film as although it is mostly set in one place, it feels as though the lead characters are constantly travelling to different locations. As always, the animation is incredible, and the diversity of the locations is just another way for Disney to show us how skilled their animators are. The city is filled to the brim with equally vibrant and colourful characters, who are brought to life by an excellent cast. Ginnifer Goodwin voices Judy with an irrepressible optimism, and Jason Bateman's performance as Nick is never lacking in charisma. Idris Elba is also very good as police chief Bogo, in a role probably intended as a warm-up before his performance as Shere Khan in the live action Jungle Book adaptation.
Zootropolis remains fast paced throughout, and is filled with enough action sequences to feel like one of the most adventurous family films we've had in a long time. The balance between action and dialogue fuelled scenes is just right, and the film never becomes boring. The chemistry between the lead characters is excellent, and is bound to keep you engaged and make you care about them. And above all else, it's funny. It has the perfect mix of action and humour to entertain the adults as well as the kids. There are also clever little references to other films that film fans will love. Whether it's Disney making puns out of their own films (Wreck-it-Rhino and Pig Hero 6), or obvious nods to massively popular films and TV shows like The Godfather and Breaking Bad. Possibly the best thing about Zootropolis is it's rather poignant message. This story is not only about overcoming the odds when they're against you, but also about overcoming intolerance and learning to accept people (or animals) as they are. In that sense this film couldn't have come at a better time, and I applaud Disney for tackling this issue that is so obvious in our world right now.
Zootropolis is a fantastically entertaining film, filled with action and humour. A great film to see over the Easter holidays, and bound to keep everyone happy.
