Disney’s “Zootopia” Is More Than Just The Cute Cartoon You Might Pass It Off To Be

For an overlooked but explicitly apparent fact, Disney princesses used to speak minimal lines in animated films that, in fact, revolved around them. Disney has been effecting noticeable change in its silver screen stories as of late, which has seen female leads like Snow White metamorphosise from dainty maidens waiting upon the heroics of men, into confident stalwarts like Elsa (of “Frozen”), who tap on inner bravery to save themselves.

The Disney revolution is continued by Judy Hopps, a pint-sized bunny who kicks off Zootopia by persevering out of her predetermined country bumpkin destiny, to become the first rabbit police officer of Zootopia.

ZOOTOPIA – FLASH, THE FASTEST SLOTH AT THE DMV -- When rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) has only 48 hours to crack her first case, she turns to scam-artist fox Nick Wilde for help, but he doesn't always have her best interests at heart. Their investigation takes them to the local DMV (Department of Mammal Vehicles), which is staffed entirely by sloths. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and produced by Clark Spencer, Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootopia" opens in U.S. theaters on March 4, 2016. ©2015 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Flash the sloth is working as fast as he can.

Zootopia wields all the staples of a modern-day Disney animated movie: breathtaking and meticulous CGI landscapes created by man-hours of monumental proportions, cavalcades of cutesy-ness, and a tear-jerking ending. However, it also brandishes more compelling aspects, such as in-depth characterisation and the exploration of discrimination, racial stereotypes, and politics.

Zootopia broaches topics like fear and radicalism, which are especially relevant today, as well as current affairs talking points like the influence of the media, in a gentle manner understood by a child, while making fun of modern society touchpoints like Apple technology and Marlon Brando along the way. Smart twists in the story ask the viewer, “who’s to say who is good and who is bad in society?” The animated flick imparts timeless nuggets of wisdom, like how solutions take time, even in our age of immediacy.

Disney makes a clear statement with Zootopia that it desires to be a progressive storyteller, and that the media titan is not afraid to make fun of itself, while staying true to its family-oriented roots.

Cutesy moments galore, infused with thought-provoking philosophies.

Yes, Disney’s “I won’t give up on my dreams” narrative is repeated in Zootopia, but has updated itself. I didn’t use to be fond of bringing my nephews and nieces to watch kids films, because these films rarely were one-size-fits-all. They say our deepest ingrained values were imparted to us through stories in our childhood. With this modern telling of Animal Farm, Disney hits that nail on the head, and never for moment had me wanting its captivating story to end.


Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, co-directed by Jared Bush
Genre: Animation
Running time: 108 minutes
Rating: 4/5 stars
==
Stay updated and social with Popspoken: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Latest

Explore latest trends in contemporary culture

 

Explore latest trends in contemporary culture