Zootropolis 2 arrives in cinemas with real confidence: A fun, fast-paced sequel bursting with sharp gags, loveable characters, beautiful animation design and a heartwarming central message that avoids turning syrupy.
The film, titled Zootopia 2 in Australia, will delight younger viewers and, thankfully, has more than enough charm for adults too.
This new chapter returns to the first instalment’s central duo, Nick (Jason Bateman) and Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin), a mismatched fox-and-bunny partnership working in the Zootropolis Police Department.
Bateman brings knowing, mischievous charisma to the roguish Nick, while Goodwin’s Judy is energetic and flawed, with an endearingly warm dollop of emotional depth. Nick and Judy spend much of the story at odds, creating many of its most poignant moments.
Early on, they are ordered to attend “partner therapy” in a wonderfully over-the-top scene that sets the tone for the rest of the film, prompting giggles from little ones and knowing laughter from the adults, while the surprisingly insightful advice lands with the pair. This is Zootropolis 2’s strength: The humour is blended with heartfelt moments, always preventing it from tipping into the saccharine.
The world of Zootropolis is expanded in this sequel as Judy and Nick leave the confines of the city for the countryside in pursuit of a mysterious snake. This gives the film’s production team ample opportunity to stretch their design muscles, and the result is breathtaking.
Vast animated expanses recall the most stunning snowscapes of Frozen and dazzling twilight skies of Tangled. Vibrant colours and countless animals with individual quirks create genuine playfulness which feels fresh and inventive.
At times the jokes steal the spotlight, leaving our lead duo a bit shortchanged and the central reptile mystery a little muddled and under-explained. But this never undermines the film’s appeal. The script delights in its new, exuberant characters, who bring a generous dose of joy and entertainment.
