Zootopia, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 55th animated feature, is now in theaters! I was able to see an early screening of the movie before it was out in theaters, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. All images and printable activity pages have been provided by Disney.
About Zootopia
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy.
ZOOTOPIA – Pictured: Judy Hopps. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
Our Zootopia Review
My 10-year-old son summed up our reaction to Zootopia as we were getting into the car after the movie was over by asking, “Can we get that on DVD?”
I was surprised by how much each of us loved it – from 10 to teen to (insert a number that is much older than teen). I was expecting a cutesy comedy, and though Zootopia was full of humor, the movie was more thoughtful and the message more powerful than I imagined.
Zootopia is not just your standard talking animal film.
ZOOTOPIA – Pictured: Gazelle. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
This is a movie with messages about dreams (and following them), race and prejudice, diversity and acceptance, girl power, believing in yourself, and more. The end credit song, performed by Shakira (you can hear some of it in the first trailer, above) is called “Try Everything” and has a wonderful message of faith and trust in yourself.
Zootopia’s heroine, Bunny Jody Hops, quotes in the movie, “Change starts with you.” I love that my children already live by that motto, and I could tell that these quotes and messages really resonated with them.
A WORLD FOR BIG AND SMALL — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” features a vast world where humans never existed. With advanced transportation systems that accommodate mammals of all shapes and sizes, the modern mammal metropolis was built by animals for animals. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and produced by Clark Spencer, “Zootopia” opens in U.S. theaters on March 4, 2016. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
The animation of Zootopia is colorful and bright, and the details that animators can get on animals amazes me. They even poke fun of animals wearing clothes (or not wearing clothes!), which is hilarious!
We watched the film in 3D, and although it was fun, I didn’t think it was necessary. If you want to save a few dollars or perhaps you just don’t like to wear those 3D glasses, then definitely skip the 3D.
ZOOTOPIA – Pictured (L-R): Judy Hopps & Clawhauser. ©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
My younger kids (10 and 13) did jump a few times because they were surprised. They both recommended that very young kids skip the theater and wait til it’s out on DVD or digital release. There are some scenes that could be viewed as a little scary by younger kids. My kids didn’t bat an eye (they love when a movie makes them jump in their seat a little!). Of course, as with any movie, it’s a good idea for parents to screen the movie before taking the kids to the theater, or simply use discretion based on how sensitive their kids are to movies generally.
For everyone else – adults and kids alike – go see Zootopia in the theaters! It’s a winner! It’s got a wonderful message – or many wonderful messages – that are important for families to hear and experience together.
You can be anything you want to be.
You can be the change you want in the world.
We are stronger when we work together.
Don’t give up.
If you fail, pick yourself up and try again.
By the way, you’ve GOT TO listen to Shakira’s song, “Try Everything” from Zootopia. It is inspiring and catchy and GOOD. I’ve already downloaded it. Get it HERE for $1.29.
Want to know some fun facts about Zootopia? I’ve got FUN FACTS, more clips from the movie PLUS a bunch of free printables that the kids are going to love.
© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
My kids are excited to see this movie! We saw the preview at the theater a while back and it looked hilarious!