“Zootopia 2” was as amazing as I expected it to be. Ever since I found out there would be a second movie, it is all I’ve been thinking about. I was a big fan of the first, so I had high expectations for the second, and those expectations were met. The plot, the introduction of new characters, and the revival of old characters made it zoo-tastic!
I enjoyed that they didn’t completely abandon the predator and prey plot from the first movie, but rather expanded on it and made it more relatable. They did this by making the two main characters, Nick and Judy, accept that they are different but that we can accept each other’s differences. I especially liked that they did all of this on top of the main plot.
The main plot was executed quite nicely, and when I saw the first movie as a kid I thought that the story line was complex but perfect, and I’m glad the directors kept me on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the second as well.
There has been controversy online debating whether the sequel was necessary or not. But to me, the introduction of reptiles into the Zootopia universe was the perfect idea for a second movie since they were never seen or mentioned in the first. This puts both story lines together perfectly.
A newly introduced character, Gary De’ Snake was one of my favorites in this film. He only wanted to make things right and to bring back his home that was taken from his family, and it warmed my heart.
In today’s world, we focus too much on our differences rather than the fact that we are all human. “Zootopia 2” perfectly explained that animals shouldn’t be without a home or a family just because of what species they are. To me, it perfectly mimics the complexity of the human world, where race and ethnicity are often overthought.
While the new film covered serious topics, it also had lots of action and plot twists that make it an entertaining watch for all ages. Pawbert Lynxly, played by Andy Samberg, had one of the most infamous character declines in children’s media, in my opinion.
He played himself out to be this superhero who goes against his family and decides to help the reptiles and Judy bring back species equality by almost killing Judy and Gary just to make his family proud of him. He is a good example of the classic forgotten or hated child who would
do anything for acceptance from his family, even if it means killing other animals.
While to me this movie is perfect the way it is, other fans have things to say. One big controversy among viewers was that Judy and Nick were never confirmed to be a couple, but the romance between the pair was heavily hinted at. In the Zootopia universe, Nick and Judy have only been partners in the ZPD for a week, so I think them already being a couple would be rushed and unimportant to the plot. I think it would be better introduced later on.
Another part of it that stunned me and lots of other fans was the number of celebrity cameos and movie references. Shakira made a comeback as Gazelle, which was to be expected. Other unexpected celebrities voiced characters in this movie as well. Robert Irwin was a Koala, Ed Sheeran played a sheep, and a few others made an appearance.
There were also references to movies like The Shining, Ratatouille, and even a scene that could be taken as a Silence of the Lambs reference. All of these shocked me and were hilarious references that especially the parents in the theater would pick up on.
A lot was happening all at once in “Zootopia 2,” but it kept me hooked. In the end, everything came together to make for another success in the Zootopia franchise.
