So maybe Disney still has it in them to make a decent film.
Zootropolis 2 (or Zootopia 2) was released on the 28th November in UK cinemas. I had mixed feelings about the expansion of the franchise, as recent Disney sequels have been massive financial and critical flops. The first film stands as one of my favourite films due to the unique characters along with its ties to preconceived bias and prejudices in modern society. Therefore, I felt anxious on whether Disney could provide a satisfying expansion of the Zootropolis world.
My favourite aspect of the Zootropolis world has always been Judy and Nick’s relationship. The second film builds on their previous chemistry and explores the tension felt in their new relationship as partners. I think this was a well-handled and realistic subplot because it highlighted their respective flaws and opposing attitudes to communication. You can easily see both character’s perspectives on the situation and why they believe what they do. Nick is cynical of the world because of his childhood, whereas Judy is determined to prove herself capable even if it hinders her health. I like how the writers took their time to have them be vulnerable and acknowledge their weaknesses, especially since it often felt like we were meant to believe Judy was a flawless character during the first film.
However, I share the criticism that setting this second film chronologically a week after the first does more harm than good. This is because we are expected to believe Judy and Nick’s shared feelings of how they are both the most important person in each other’s lives. It feels out of place considering they have only known each other for a maximum of four weeks. Judy and Nick’s heartfelt confession scene at the end of this film is beautifully open and earnest. Without a doubt the highlight for me. I just unfortunately cannot bring myself to fully enjoy it knowing that they realistically do not know each other that well yet.
Furthermore, the reptile plotline feels particularly shoehorned. There is a focus on the prejudices of animals instead of the flaws in societal structure. The focus on the city itself as uninhabitable for certain animals should theoretically serve as good world building. Yet, it somehow emerges as shallow due to a lack of buildup or inclination that something is missing from the first film. The inexistence of reptiles and birds in Zootropolis feels more like a narrative memory lapse rather than a set up for the franchise to expand.
I also felt the twist villain, Pawbert Lynxley, was unnecessary. Pawbert is introduced as a fumbling but charming ally to Judy, who is later revealed to have smuggled Gary into Zootropolis. Removing him from the story does nothing to hinder the plot, as Gary could have easily snuck into Zootropolis himself with a clear motivation to help his family. I feel as if this plotline would have annoyed me less if not for the narrative effort to make Pawbert seem like a reluctant villain. Despite his speech to Judy about impressing his family, this scene is followed with a visual nod to him literally hunting Judy as a lynx version of Jack from The Shining through a maze.
Overall, I thought this film was great despite minor criticisms. The animation is phenomenal with noticeable upgrades since the first one. Plus, Shakira always delivers with a great song. I resonated with the message of how everyone should work together to try and do good even if it seems like our actions do not make a big difference, instead of cynically accepting that the world is the way it is. If they matter to even one person, any effort is worth doing.
I am excited to see how they expand on the world even further in the next instalment.
