Zootropia (2016) - ★★★★
Reviewed on 19-NOV-25
Ok, so aka Zootropolis? At least that’s how it’s listed on Disney+ in Canada. And speaking of Canada, quite a wide range of cameos: Tommy Chong, Peter Mansbridge, and Don Lake.
I stayed clear of this one on its original release for no particular reason other than having just brought a baby into the world, but somehow I still heard that song.
It’s an animated tale of municipal mammals without any of those pesky primates, winged things, or fin flappers. Always nice to see cheap puns front and centre, from the musical stylings of Guns N’ Rodents, Fur Fighters, and Fleetwood Yak to the shopping experiences provided by Urban Snoutfitters, Trader Doe’s, and Targoat.
Even though I never really bought the chemistry or tension between Hopps and Wilde (sure, the world is compelling but struggling to imagine the need for the sequel), there were still memorable moments and intriguing metaphors inspired by such things as *The Godfather*, *Breaking Bad*, *Shut Up Little Man*, and *Song of the South*. Bonus star for naming your otter Emmitt Otterton 🦦.
Takeaways? “Fear always works.” As does wiretapping.
Ok, so aka Zootropolis? At least that’s how it’s listed on Disney+ in Canada. And speaking of Canada, quite a wide range of cameos: Tommy Chong, Peter Mansbridge, and Don Lake.
I stayed clear of this one on its original release for no particular reason other than having just brought a baby into the world, but somehow I still heard that song.
It’s an animated tale of municipal mammals without any of those pesky primates, winged things, or fin flappers. Always nice to see cheap puns front and centre, from the musical stylings of Guns N’ Rodents, Fur Fighters, and Fleetwood Yak to the shopping experiences provided by Urban Snoutfitters, Trader Doe’s, and Targoat.
Even though I never really bought the chemistry or tension between Hopps and Wilde (sure, the world is compelling but struggling to imagine the need for the sequel), there were still memorable moments and intriguing metaphors inspired by such things as *The Godfather*, *Breaking Bad*, *Shut Up Little Man*, and *Song of the South*. Bonus star for naming your otter Emmitt Otterton 🦦.
Takeaways? “Fear always works.” As does wiretapping.
Zootropia 2 (2025) - ★★★★
Reviewed on 31-DEC-25
I didn’t “grow up” with these characters, so it doesn’t hit as hard as it might for others, but this adventure seemed a little tighter to me than the original, and the Hopps and Wilde dynamic and chemistry have improved. Another fresh round of animal puns, cameos galore (including the entire Handsome podcast), and cinematic references (like The Shining). Familiar takeaways emphasize cooperation, open communication, sharing feelings, and how conspiracies and fears can be used to manipulate and subjugate others. I will say Jason Bateman as a sly fox turned cop is as Bateman-y as it gets. But enough with the dik-dik jokes! 🦊
I didn’t “grow up” with these characters, so it doesn’t hit as hard as it might for others, but this adventure seemed a little tighter to me than the original, and the Hopps and Wilde dynamic and chemistry have improved. Another fresh round of animal puns, cameos galore (including the entire Handsome podcast), and cinematic references (like The Shining). Familiar takeaways emphasize cooperation, open communication, sharing feelings, and how conspiracies and fears can be used to manipulate and subjugate others. I will say Jason Bateman as a sly fox turned cop is as Bateman-y as it gets. But enough with the dik-dik jokes! 🦊