Disney animation had fallen behind Pixar’s quality and popularity but Frozen and now Zootopia are closing the gap.  Zootopia is a kooky animal-based cop movie with terrific characters and a very political sense of how the world should be.  It’s very entertaining for kids and adults, and will be a massive hit, even spawning a song likely to compete for the 2016 Oscars (“Try Everything”).

The multi-districted city of Zootopia is a place where all animals have learned to live in peace and harmony.  At least, that’s the plan.  The reality is something else, as discovered by rookie cop Judy Hopps (a rabbit).  As the first bunny on the force, Hopps is given parking duty.  Meanwhile other animals are disappearing and some have turned savage, and no one knows why.  Hopps enmeshes herself into the investigation, teaming with Nick Wilde (a scheming fox) to uncover the threat that is starting to turn animals against each other.

This strange but very likable movie is directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush.  It’s framework should be familiar to anyone who has ever seen a police procedural on television, and the filmmakers have great fun playing with traditional archetypes in animal form.  The pace is quick — except for the sloths — and I’m sure that multiple viewings would reveal jokes and references missed the first time around.  It’s important to note, I think, that the humor is subordinate to structure and situation; this is not a joke fest like other animated films.  This one is story first, and I appreciate that.

What I didn’t appreciate as much is its obvious political message.  Zootopia is a place of inclusion, and the film is sledgehammer obvious in its message that everyone deserves the chance to shine in whatever they choose to do.  It’s a fine message, of course, but this film hammers it home at every opportunity.  It’s just a bit much.  I like Zootopia and fully expect to see further stories from this naked city (one part of which is truly naked!) in the future.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  6 March 2016.