Zootopia 2: Different is Good

Our differences can make us stronger if we let it. That is one of the core themes in Zootopia 2. The directors from the first Zootopia, Jared Bush and Byron Howard, return to direct this sequel 9 years later.

            The movie takes place one week after the first one. Officers Judy Hopps, played by Ginnifer Goodwin, and her partner Nick Wilde, played by Jason Bateman, are eager to prove to their peers that they are not one hit wonders and can still offer value to their city. Things get complicated when a snake appears in Zootopia for the first time in 100 years. The snake’s name is Gary, and is played by Ke Huy Quan, best known for his roles as Short Round in Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom and as the husband from Everything Everywhere All at Once. Reptiles are seen as taboo and not to be trusted. This prejudice stems from a crime one of Gary’s ancestors allegedly committed. Gary insists that he and his family are innocent. Nick and Judy then investigate to see if Gary is telling the truth as well as the mystery behind the creation of the weather machine, which is the device that creates the different habitats for different species to live in. Along the way Nick and Judy’s partnership is tested. Their personalities start to clash, and both wonder if they can remain partners.

            There is plenty to love about this movie. The different landscapes and backgrounds of the city Zootopia are more detailed and feel more alive. This makes the city as well the world feel bigger. The addition of the reptiles and a tease of another species later expands the world building and lore of this world. Your enjoyment of the humor of this movie will depend heavily on if you like puns or not since there are many animal puns in this movie. However, there are plenty of other jokes such as visual gags and jokes in the background. There is even a reference to a Silence of the Lambs and The Shining. This movie will require multiple viewings to catch all the jokes. The soundtrack is also really solid, better than the first in my opinion. Gary’s theme in particular is very moving. As stated before, the major theme in this movie is that people being different can be a good thing. If anything, being the same or too similar stunts progress. This is something that both Nick and Judy must learn during their character arcs. If people let it, their differences can complement each other’s strengths. There is a beautiful scene between Gary and Judy that perfectly illustrates this. Nick and Judy are just as charming as ever. Their friendship continues to be the heart and soul of this film series.

            In regards as to weather this movie is as good as the first, I think the first movie is still better. The story in the first one felt fresher and newer. The mystery and plot in this movie are pretty obvious. The villains for the most part are nothing to write home about. The villain in the first one wasn’t anything special either, but she had a presence that the ones in this movie lacked. Also, Nick seems to have a prejudice against reptiles in this movie, similar to how others had a prejudice against him in the first movie. There’s not really an arc explaining why or an arc between him and Gary or one where he overcomes his prejudice. That aspect was undeveloped. Judy’s arc in overcoming her prejudice against Nick in the first movies was handled better. Also, Gary isn’t in the movies quite as much the trailers suggest. He shows up early but doesn’t become very prominent until the third act. His relationship with Judy is heartwarming, but like I said earlier, his and Nick’s relationship is severely underdeveloped.

            If you liked the first movie you will most likely like this one. It expands the characters as well as the world of Zootopia. It’s a great movie for families. There is a post credits scene, so make sure you stick around for that. It teases another sequel. As long as Nick and Judy continue to be great characters, and they continue expanding the world and other characters, they’ve got my money. Let’s just hope they don’t take another 9 years to make a sequel.

Final Rating: 8/10