This past weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing Disney's latest and greatest animated film, "Zootopia," with my brother. First and foremost, this was one of the most charming children's movies I have seen in a while. A plot that is seemingly overdone, one depicting an unsung underdog's metamorphosis into an unexpected hero, was brilliantly executed. The biggest reason I enjoy kid's movies is for the often unnoticed, yet countless double entendres gracefully woven into the scripts. The constant attempt by production companies to win over both adult and child audiences can be an exhausting one, but when it is achieved, the movie is a box-office hit. What about this particular movie made a perfect recipe for audiences of all ages?
The movie centers around a spirited and goal-driven rabbit named Judy Hopps. A small bunny stuck on a carrot farm in the country dreams of one day becoming a police officer in the big city of Zootopia, a dream that is considered laughable by her classmates, parents, and 265 brothers and sisters (if you know anything about bunnies, you'll find this as amusing as I do). Determined to prove everyone wrong and show her stuff, Judy enters the police academy, and, after a defeating montage of her falling in dirt and tripping through obstacles, she graduates at the top of her class. Once in the city, Judy is dejected after realizing she has been assigned to parking duty. However, thanks to her spirit of adventure and voracious hunger for a mystery, she is led to follow the scent of a suspicious character. A suspenseful mission ensues, unexpected friendships are forged, and the adventure that is relayed to audiences along the way is both hilarious and entertaining.
Incorporated flawlessly into the classic coming of age story are references to current political and social issues. Problems like sexism, racism, bullying, and the sluggish nature of bureaucracy are seen in a new light when depicted in the animal kingdom, and women especially can relate to Judy's plight to climb the professional ladder in her male-dominated field, as she is consistently dismissed as cute and incapable. Nods to racial slurs, stereotyping, and discrimination are achieved by dividing characters with limiting labels such as "predator" and "prey."
This isn't the first time Disney has tried its hand at sociopolitical commentary. "The Princess and the Frog," "Mulan," and "Pocahontas," to name a few, all contain effortlessly included subliminal and culturally relevant messages delivered to an appreciative adult audience. Especially now that attention spans are shorter than ever, movies must keep us interested throughout the entire development of the plot. Disney is a notable and repeat delighter, so to speak, of producing movies that are intellectually accessible to audiences young and old. All of these dedicated fans contribute to Disney's ability to tirelessly pump out classic after classic. Wonderfully, Disney achieves this all while remaining critically acclaimed and renowned for bringing new, cinematic life to exhausted themes of growing up, never judging a book by its cover, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
That being said, "Zootopia" contained non-adult themes that were a welcome break from the overwhelmingly dark media we are plagued with today. From productions in the style of "The Walking Dead," "Hemlock Grove," and "Dexter," that at times seem to stem from production meetings in which the topic must have been "OK, how much can we get away with this week," we could all use a breath of fresh air. For this reason, watching movies and shows that bring fond memories of childhood is not infantile, not stupid, and not a waste of our time, it is simply an escape. Heartwarming, hilarious, and visually beautiful, this film kept the younger audience members in the theater just as captivated and entertained. Because, let's just face it, everyone loves a good talking animal.
I left the theater with a new view on many modern issues, as well as completely floored by the intelligent execution of both plot and character development that Disney seems to nearly always accomplish. I, along with the hundred or so adults and children in the theater with me, applauded Judy Hopp's perseverance, mourned her defeats, and rejoiced when she got back up to try again. As an avid movie watcher and amateur movie critic, there is rarely a film I finish that I don't think of changing in more ways than one. "Zootopia" was a fun, wonderful, and welcome exception.
I look forward to what is to come from Disney Studios, and am excited to share their brilliant and classic films with my children some day. Thank you for my childhood, Disney, and thank you for keeping me smiling into my 20s.