Zootopia 2 Film Review

Zootopia 2

Once upon a time, there was a determined rabbit named Judy Hopps who became a police officer.

With the assistance of former street crook fox Nick Wilde, she put Mayor Bellweather behind bars. This case

solidified Nick and Judy as partners.

One year and a week later, both are trying to prove they are a great duo. But after an undercover case

gone wrong, Chief Bogo gives them an ultimatum: attend “Partners in Crisis” or be split up for good. Judy

notices reptile skin, and is ready for action. Nick is more laid back and cautious. But neither realize that this

new case is more than they bargained for. (Note: some sections contain spoilers).

Positive Elements: Nick and Judy have struggles, but care deeply for each other. Miscommunication

and different plans tear them apart, but they share personal confessions to one another. Nick does his best to

warn the police about a conniving wolf family. Judy tries to maintain an upbeat attitude. Both apologize for

their mistakes.

Nibbles Maplestick and a few other characters help as well. Nick does open up, and expresses concern

for Judy. Even Gary (a heated pit viper snake) helps balance Judy's anxiety. He remains positive through the

mission, and doesn't leave Judy behind. 

Other messages include: breaking prejudice patterns, bringing down years of false truths, and doing

the right thing, even when it might cost you your reputation. The sequel handles these themes without being

preachy to the audience.

Spiritual Content: An iguana named Jesus scatters across water. A few characters cross themselves in

a couple of scenes.

Sensual Content: Several characters mistake Nick and Judy for a couple (much to the former's

chagrin). Yet, when they dress up to infiltrate a gala, Nick slightly ogles Judy. Both exchange flirty banter on

some occasions. A few animals are pantsless in the Marsh Market scene. One sheep's fur is accidentally

sheared to make him look like a ballerina. A few adult jokes are heard/seen as well. A male character briefly flirts

with Judy. Judy and Nick pose as a married couple during one undercover mission. Gazelle wears revealing

outfits and her tiger dancers are shirtless. Other animals wear immodest attire during the Burning Mammal festival.

Violence: Zootopia 2 isn't as scary as its predecessor. However, the stakes feel a bit higher here for a

couple of reasons. 

First off, the Lynxley family have no qualms about killing characters in order to protect their reputation.

Even Mr. Big cautions Judy to not mess with them. Several chase scenes are seen, and at one point, Judy

nearly passes out from losing oxygen. An old lodge rips apart at the seams as police pursue Judy and Nick. 

The second most obvious reason is Gary's backstory. (Spoiler Warning): In flashback, we learn a family

ancestor murdered his turtle maid, and pinned it on a snake. Because of this lie, snakes were driven out of

Zootopia. Hence the reason why the journal is dangerous while in Judy's possession.

Nick is knocked out, and by accident, releases several criminals from prison. A few car chase scenes

destroy property and include reckless driving. Some characters set furniture on fire. One character stumbles

through a maze (reminiscent of The Shining). Another has her furniture made out of wool (similar to Silence

of the Lambs). Characters nearly die, but are saved in the nick of time.

Language: At least four misuses of God's name, and references to “dip, dip” which could be heard as a crude

slang term.

Drugs/Alcohol: Some sequences show mixed drinks and wine glasses. Characters are injected with

snake venom and drug darts on a few occasions.

Other Negative Elements: The Lynxley family operate as a mobster gang: issuing threats, and

breaking laws along the way. A horse mayor is manipulated into silence (though he decides to be on the right

side later on). Cops side with the Lynxleys’ for a time, pursuing Judy, Nick, and Gary (thus, making them

suspects).

Judy has a determined attitude which gets her and Nick into trouble. Both have problems expressing

their feelings with each other, resulting in passive-aggressive verbal arguments. Judy and Nick disobey

orders from the police department. Mr. Big runs an underground purse business with his daughter.

(Spoiler Warning): Pawbert is first introduced as the friendly member of his family. However, he

ultimately betrays Judy and Gary to get into his family's good graces. His plan backfires and ends up getting

him and his family members arrested.

Bullying and pranks get screen time, with one character being a conspiracy theorist. Some gross gags are shown.

.

Stealing is implied/manifested too.

Conclusion: Sometimes, when we wait for a sequel, it doesn't play out to our expectations. Thankfully,

though Zootopia 2 released almost a decade later than the first film, it stands firm on footing. The voice cast

shines, humorous dialogue is present, and returning to the animal utopia is like a dream come true.

Before watching the film, parents should be aware of a few content bumps. Multiple perilous

sequences appear, putting our heroes in danger. Unethical methods rule the roost with two crime families.

Adult jokes and movie references somewhat mar this delightful sequel.

That said, Zootopia 2 still shines bright. Flipping the script on villainous snakes, we have one that is

gentle, upbeat, and ready to give hugs. Indeed, Gary (voiced by Oscar* winner Key Huy Quan) is curious, but

desperate to be reunited with his family. He shows concern for Judy and Nick. Even audience members can

sympathize with his plight. 

Judy and Nick take their partnership for granted, but come clean with each other. In this way, the film

underscores communication/care for others. Proverbs 16:24 (NCV) states “Pleasant words are like a

honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.”

We are also shown through the Lynxley family that lies disguised as truth divide others. Proverbs 29:12

(NIV) doesn't mince this: “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.” Romans 3:13 (NLT) takes it a

step further: “Their talk is foul, like stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies. Snake venom

drips from their lips.”

Given our culture today, we can act like Nick: “Being the hero doesn't make a difference.” Our cynicism

and pessimistic view dims the possibility of being positive. Though this aspect is popular, it leads us to

become bitter, and develop a “victim mindset.”

Judy and Gary embrace a different tune. Despite the danger and obstacles they face, both decide to

do the right thing. Recovering from betrayal, they still press on. Perseverance is key and leads to the villains

getting their comeuppance. 

Sure, Zootopia 2 has subtle themes that kids won't understand, and content bumps that need some

navigation. But compared to other Disney sequels in recent years, Zootopia 2 manages to outscore them all.

It's better than the first film and that is no understatement.