After nearly a decade of anticipation, “Zootopia 2” finally arrives in theaters, and it proves to be well worth the wait. The sequel to “Zootopia” invites audiences into a loaded city where mammals of every size and species exist together, sometimes well, sometimes not so well. From the opening moments, it is clear that this followup aims not only to entertain, but also to keep the social commentary that made the original so memorable. Reuniting audiences with the very determined Judy Hopps and the sly Nick Wilde. The film builds on their chemistry from their partnership from the first movie while allowing both to grow in meaningful ways. While longtime fans will appreciate subtle things from the first film, newcomers will have no trouble jumping into the action without feeling lost. Visually, “Zootopia 2” is an eye-catching work. Walt Disney once again demonstrates its technical accomplishments, expanding the world with new locations that feel vibrant, detailed, and alive. The story is where the film truly shines. Clever dialogue, fast moving banter, and an impressive number of animal based puns keep the tone light without overthrowing the film’s more serious themes. That said, the film does occasionally play it safe, relying on familiar story beats that may feel predictable to viewers. Overall, Zootopia 2 is a sharp, funny, and thoughtful sequel that understands why audiences fell in love with this world in the first place. It is proof that this franchise still has plenty of mileage left, and that sometimes, a movie with animals has some very human truths to share.
Provided by Black Catholic Messenger