Rating:
Summary: This is the follow-up we've all been waiting (too long) for. Expands the world built in the first movie, and with some timely themes to add some heft to the story. A must-see for fans of the original and animation fans in general.
When the original "Zootopia" was released, nobody had any expectations for it. It was a new IP, and while Walt Disney Animation Studios' last effort, "Big Hero Six", was largely positively received and did well enough at the box office, it wasn't anywhere near the success of the one before it - a little film called "Frozen". So when "Zootopia" did a billion dollars at the box office against expectations, calls for a sequel rang out immediately.
So it is somewhat of a surprise that we've had to wait nine years for the next instalment of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, and guess what? The wait has been worth it!
Taking place only a few weeks after the events of the first film, the story follows Judy and Nick as they encounter a mysterious snake on a secret mission to change Zootopia forever. The pair must work together to uncover the mystery and save the city once more. My description may sound dry, but the film's plot is anything but, and I don't want to say too more as this is a spoiler-free review. While the first film tackled the larger issues of discrimination and prejudice, the second film zooms in on the themes of xenophobia, colonisation, and cultural genocide, all very timely in our current climate. On a smaller, more personal level, it also examines the theme of partnerships, and how different doesn't mean bad.
A whole host of the most beloved characters return, as expected, but luckily, we are not subject to sequel-itis where characters return just for the return's sake - these cameos never feel crammed in. There are also a host of new characters, and as you would expect from a "Zootopia" film, they are all incredibly well thought-out and interesting in the way "Zootopia" characters are always interesting. Love animal puns? Then this is your Citizen Kane. Cameos from other Disney properties are also sprinkled in for a few good laughs.
The technical aspects are excellent as you would expect, and having watched the original film recently, it still stands up today - the new film more so. Michael Giacchino composes a delightfully fun track, and Shakira's new song for the movie is a banger, although it might take a while for it to reach the earworm level of the first film's "Try Everything".
At the end of the day, "Zootopia 2" is a great film for the young ones and the not-so-young. Fans of the original will love it, and it is a worthy new entry into the gilded halls of Disney Animation.
And yes, there is a post-credit scene after the obligatory Shakira music video and then the very, very long credits (not sure the little ones will have the patience for it, to be honest), that is worth watching.
"Zootopia 2" is in Australian cinemas on 27 November 2025. Australian streaming release date: TBA
