Aaron Ploof
Zootopia is a family-friendly film, even though it deals with heavy subjects like prejudice, bullying, bias, and the like. For the most part, the movie doesn’t come across as overtly dramatic, at least not in a super dark way. However, most people are probably unaware of the film’s original script.
Predators in the original Zootopia were forced to wear shock collars meant to control their primal urges. Nick (Jason Bateman) was originally meant to be the protagonist of the movie. Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) was going to hunt him down for a crime he was framed for. In the process, she was going to have her worldview challenged and learn about the inherit injustice behind the collars. This older version sounds more like something that Don Bluth would have directed.
While Zootopia 2 doesn’t quite reach the same level of dramatic heft as Zootopia’s originally planned version, it does carry the franchise into much darker and heavier territory than the original film. It ultimately does this this to its benefit, raising the stakes of the storyline and putting Nick and Judy’s partnership on the line. However, the themes it explores are largely carried over from the series’ initial outing and could have used some expansion in this sequel.
Partners in Trouble
Zootopia 2 takes place about a week after Nick and Judy begin their official partnership. After a chase ends disastrously (yet successfully), both Judy and Nick are put through partnership counseling. Afterwards, an opportunity to prove themselves presents itself. Judy wants to show the world that Wilde and Hopps are a dream team. Nick just wants to lay low. Yet the bunny is able to persuade the fox to help her infiltrate one of the biggest parties in Zootopia, the 100-year celebration gala of Zootopia’s founding.
The Lynxley lynxes are the descendants of Ebenezer Lynxley, the original founder of Zootopia and the creator of the city’s climate zones. Judy has deducted that a snake is on the loose in the city, and that its probable target is a journal that details the creation of the zones. What she doesn’t know is that trying to crack this case open might wreck her relationship with Nick forever. In fact, it might lead both partners to their deaths.
Tone Shift
As said before, the tone of Zootopia 2 is much darker than the original film. I’m hesitant to reveal the exact details of the plot, for that would reveal details that are much better left unknown. I will however, go over some of the themes that are in the movie.
Racism and bias make a thematic return. They seem to be central themes in the Zootopia universe. Murder, conspiracy, and gentrification are also main topics this time. Characters are frequently in danger, with their lives on the line. Judy and Nick’s friendship and partnership is constantly on the verge of imploding.
Comedic Respite
Yet with all this darkness, there is also a heavy emphasis on comedy. Ke Huy Quan gives a comedic and warm performance as Gary De’ Snake, the central reptile of interest in Judy and Nick’s new case. It’s impossible not to be charmed by his positive attitude and his optimistic outlook. There is also a conspiracy theory beaver name Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster). Judy is a fan, and it’s easy to see why. While she may be a little bit cuckoo, she is also courageous and resourceful. In a cool move, Disney also made Nibbles an openly gay character. Feimster, her voice actor, is also openly gay. Pawbert (Andy Sanberg) is a helpful member of the lynx family that aims to assist Judy and Nick in their adventure.
Ultimately, I see the darkness and heavy nature of this movie as a boon, rather than as a detriment to the film. Ratcheting up the dramatic stakes and putting our favorite characters in perilous situations pulls the audience in and makes us feel for the characters. The levity created by the comedy gives us respites from the drama, but it also reinforces the character’s journeys and their personalities while helping them to develop.
Nick and Judy’s relationship is what carries the movie, and the emotional struggles they go through to hold onto their friendship make the core of the film. There are times throughout the story when you wonder just how much more stress they can take. I bet you’re wondering where they ultimately end up, but I’m not going to reveal that either. Just know that their relationship still has places to go at the end of the film. There is most definitely going to be a Zootopia 3.
How About Children?
Considering all of this dark material, this may be a film to leave the very young ones at home for. The film can get rather intense at times; even I felt the drama during the emotional scenes; that’s not even saying anything about the intense action sequences. There are many times when our heroes are in immediate danger. Given that this is a Disney family film, Nick and Judy will probably make it through, but there are a lot of close calls.
There’s also some sexual suggestiveness in the film. A few double entendres and sex jokes are thrown in. This will probably go over children’s heads, but it’s worth noting.
How Does It Compare?
While the first movie introduced the themes of Zootopia, the second one barely expands upon them. Yet while the ideas may be familiar, the drama, heart, and comedy are improved upon. The intensity is brought up several notches, and Judy and Nick undergo serious growing pains. All of this makes for an excellent sequel, one that I actually enjoyed more than the first.
Score: 9.5
Zootopia 2 is now in theatres nationwide.
