We are only a few months into 2016,yet it has had more than enough of its fair share of politics. Disney’s new animated feature “Zootopia” has actually managed to make this loaded topic both enjoyable and understandable for kids. Not only does “Zootopia” touch on issues of prejudice and sexism, it makes them the driving force of the entire film.
The film focuses on Judy Hopps (played by Ginnifer Goodwin), a small town rabbit with dreams of becoming a cop in the great city of Zootopia. Judy Hopps uncovers a large scale conspiracy, with the help of Nick Wilde, a jaded, con artist fox. The film initially looks like its primary subject is a small rabbit with dreams of becoming a cop, a job normally assigned to intimidatingly larger animals. But it slowly delves into deeper issues.
The classic idea of a small critter with big dreams isn’t something particularly new, but the way the issues are presented, along with the setting of what’s clearly meant to be New York, are surprisingly deep for what’s being presented as a kids’ movie.
As the film progresses, we begin to see issues that mirror society’s own, such as Judy being warned of predators in the big city because she’s small. This is clearly a statement on feeling vulnerable in a new environment. What’s more is she wants to be a cop in a male-dominated workplace and is looked down on (literally and figuratively). Even bigger is the issue of predator vs. prey.
While the mystery of the film is why these animals have gone feral, it’s clear that Disney wanted the focus to be more on the issues of discrimination, race, prejudice and yes, opinions about law enforcement. They accomplish this well by showcasing real-world events acted out by animals. Public figures instigate fear among the masses, and a big-name celebrity named Gazelle (voiced by Shakira) comes forward to defend predators who are now being told to “go back to where they came from.” This creates a rift between Judy and Nick, who are from both sides of the conflict.
The film also does a good job of creating a good mystery that branches across the beautifully animated city. This metropolis has well-constructed environments, including a rain-forest district. A small area of the city is even dedicated to rodents. At different parts of the film the city itself becomes more diverse, even going so far as to have a mafia run by a godfather-esque arctic shrew.
The film does a great job of fleshing out both major and supporting characters. For instance, Judy’s parents, while hesitant of foxes at first, learn to look past their fear and work alongside their predator counterparts in the carrot business. The assistant mayor, meanwhile, is shown to be a lamb with darker motives.
Overall, this is clearly one of Disney’s best animated features to date. The film should be entertaining to kids in a way that doesn’t compromise on being sickeningly sweet. Not once does the film patronize or belittle younger viewers. It actually gives them a quality story reinforced by an important lesson in equality and diversity.
“Zootopia” is currently playing at the Esquire IMAX and Regal Natomas Marketplace Stadium 16 in Sacramento.
