Movie Review: ‘Zootopia 2’

NEW YORK (OSV News) – Given that its 2016 predecessor proved to be boffo at the box office as well as a hit with critics, it seems surprising that it should have taken almost a decade for the Mouse House to give us “Zootopia 2” (Disney). Whatever may have caused the delay, the follow-up registers as an enjoyable adventure that’s suitable for all but the youngest.

Set in the same animal-inhabited city that provided both the background for and the title of the original, the sequel also continues to focus on that film’s two main characters, Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), an ever-chipper rabbit, and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), a wise-cracking fox.

With ex-con-man Nick having reformed, the two are now partners on the police force. Yet their first outing as a duo causes sufficient mayhem to get them suspended by their supervisor, Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba).

So when a mystery begins to unfold regarding a seminal event in Zootopia’s past, Nick is inclined to lay low and ignore the clues. Judy, by contrast, is all for pursuing the hunt. Her enthusiasm becomes a source of friction for the pair.

After Nick grudgingly agrees to continue investigating, he and Judy gain the aid of a goodhearted snake named Gary (voice of Ke Huy Quan) and of Nibbles Maplestick (voice of Fortune Feimster), a comically off-kilter podcaster. At the same time, though, they run afoul of a powerful dynasty of lynx (David Strathairn voices its patriarch, Andy Samberg its black sheep).

Co-director (with Byron Howard) Jared Bush’s screenplay promotes teamwork, idealism, open communication, tolerance and the value of diversity. And there’s little problematic material to be encountered, with only some menace and a bit of slightly unsuitable dialogue preventing endorsement for all ages. As a result, parents will likely find the movie acceptable for preteens.

The film contains cartoonish physical violence, characters in peril, momentary scatological humor, a few mild oaths and a couple of vaguely crass expressions. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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