Zootopia (2016)
For many leading up to its 2016 release, Zootopia seemed to be one of Disney's more forgettable films with a seemingly average story of someone (in this case a rabbit named Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin)) reaching for their dreams (in this case becoming a cop in the big city of Zootopia) despite having basically no one who believes in them. Nearly no one was truly predicting just how far from forgettable the film would be immediately becoming a hit with not only smart comedy but a deeper message that really resonated with audiences.
Within Zootopia, there is definitely that more basic story of someone overcoming the odds to secure their dreams but that is far from all the film has to say. Also prevalent is a message about race and prejudices within society. Historically it is not very common to see Disney make large focuses of their films be a so obvious commentary on modern political conversations but with Zootopia they took that risk that greatly paid off. The message might catch some off guard at first but in a refreshing a standout way that helps push Zootopia above most other animated kids' films. The commentary itself is far from basic tackling larger ideas that even most adult films fail to truly explore such as how even the "good" guys can have hidden prejudices within them due to how they grew up and how dangerous media can be in creating false narratives that can turn people against minorities. Zootopia is a uniquely layered and ambitiously impactful film that feels rich and important. There are countless animated films that are impressive on a technical level and have a decent enough story but fail to say anything of substance that sticks with audiences. It is needed to have this deeper meaning and connection with audiences to truly elevate a film to possible best of the year status and Zootopia stands as a perfect example of a film that does go above and beyond in that regard.
Where Zootopia is impactful and important for both kids and adults alike, the film is also just a ton of fun. The screenplay from Jared Bush and Phil Johnston has great comedic timing and inventive ideas using the concept of a world full of animals to the fullest. Where the comedy of Zootopia doesn't always reinvent the wheel, it never feels like it is just going through the motions either. It also helps that the performances are to the level that they are. Ginnifer Goodwin gives a genuinely sweet performance as Judy Hopps which not only makes the character legitimately likable but also off of Jason Bateman's performance as Nick Wilde tremendously well. Bateman gives this role so much charisma becoming the highlight of the film but is also genuine enough to make the eventual friendship between Judy and Nick feel natural. The world of Zootopia is also just one of the most well-realized and memorable in recent Disney history. The animation is stunning as it brings the 5 environmental districts of Zootopia to life creating awe-inspiring landscapes that are honestly breathtaking.
The one downside of Zootopia would simply be some of the plot structure within the film. Where the emotions, messages, and world of Zootopia feel inspired and fresh; the plot itself uses a plethora of cliches which some off as overall disappointing and forced especially in contrast to the rest of the film. Plot points like the eventual conflict between protagonists over a misunderstanding add very little to the actual film and could have been avoided to help the film keep a better pacing overall. The story luckily still holds up as engaging and once through the more dull plot details have an ending that is interesting and unpredictable enough to end the film on a rather high note. Unlike many other animated movies, the twists and turns within Zootopia feel well thought out and actually surprising not forcing the audience to sit through a boring drawn-out reveal that could be seen from a mile away.
Especially when looking at Disney's original animated films over the decade (which has been overall impressively strong), Zootopia still stands out as a bold and effective feature that pushed boundaries for the company. Where the studio would make further bold and inspiring choices with films like Moana, no other Disney film quite feels as layered and complex as Zootopia. With a message of important substance, extremely likable characters, an engaging world, and stunning animation it would be near criminal not to recognize Zootopia as not just one of the best films of 2016 but also one of the best films of the decade overall.
The one downside of Zootopia would simply be some of the plot structure within the film. Where the emotions, messages, and world of Zootopia feel inspired and fresh; the plot itself uses a plethora of cliches which some off as overall disappointing and forced especially in contrast to the rest of the film. Plot points like the eventual conflict between protagonists over a misunderstanding add very little to the actual film and could have been avoided to help the film keep a better pacing overall. The story luckily still holds up as engaging and once through the more dull plot details have an ending that is interesting and unpredictable enough to end the film on a rather high note. Unlike many other animated movies, the twists and turns within Zootopia feel well thought out and actually surprising not forcing the audience to sit through a boring drawn-out reveal that could be seen from a mile away.
Especially when looking at Disney's original animated films over the decade (which has been overall impressively strong), Zootopia still stands out as a bold and effective feature that pushed boundaries for the company. Where the studio would make further bold and inspiring choices with films like Moana, no other Disney film quite feels as layered and complex as Zootopia. With a message of important substance, extremely likable characters, an engaging world, and stunning animation it would be near criminal not to recognize Zootopia as not just one of the best films of 2016 but also one of the best films of the decade overall.