Zootopia Movie Review (2024)

Educational Value

a little

Kids learn about the difference between predator and prey animals and stereotypes about certain animals (e.g., that bunnies are dumb and foxes, wily). Kids also learn importance of seeing beyond the superficial to what an individual is really like.

Positive Messages

a lot

Follow your dreams; anyone can do/be anything if they work hard enough and believe in themselves. Individuals from different (even traditionally opposed) backgrounds can form powerful alliances if they look beyond those differences. Clearly urges viewers to look beyond stereotypes and assumptions to the individuals behind them, but when it tries to tackle racism using an animal metaphor, it sends conflicting messages (see Diverse Representations for more). Promotes empathy, courage, perseverance, and teamwork.

Positive Role Models

a lot

Judy is clever and determined, as well as an optimistic dreamer. At first her naivete causes harm to others, but through humility and perseverance, she becomes more well-rounded. Nick starts out as an unrepentant scam artist, but his friendship with Judy shows him that he can be more than the stereotypically shifty fox, just as Judy decided to be more than a carrot-growing bunny. Characters in positions of power turn out to be less than trustworthy, but they face consequences and learn lessons.

Diverse Representations

a little

Zootopia means well, and some representations, such as having Judy as a determined female lead or Shakira voicing the flawless diva Gazelle, generally succeed. Voice actors of color in supporting roles include Idris Elba, Octavia Spencer, and Tommy Chong. But when the film tries to tackle racism using an animal metaphor, it sends conflicting messages: It repeatedly says stereotypes are bad but then proceeds to show predators who live up to their stereotypes of being vicious -- a trait that's "based on biology," as Judy says. The movie then contorts itself trying to show how Judy was wrong, but reinforces ethnic stereotypes at the same time: An Indian elephant is a yoga instructor, Italian mice are mobsters, etc. References to Blackness are mishandled. In one scene, Nick digs his hand into a sheep's Afro-like hair as Judy says, "You can't just touch a sheep's wool." The invasive act feels uncomfortable to watch because it's modeled by a main character and treated as a joke by the script. And one of the film's most frightening characters is a black jaguar that's "gone savage" -- he's large, muscled, violent. Fatphobic portrayal of Officer Clawhauser, who's always snacking and drinking soda. Commentary on policing and sexism, as Judy strives to be the best police officer she can be in a male-dominated workplace, only further cements that Zootopia bites off more than it (and its nearly all-White filmmakers and voice actors) could chew.

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Violence & Scariness

some

Several scenes of danger, peril, and tension. Predators "go savage" and try to attack other animals, including an intense chase scene involving the main characters and an out-of-control jaguar. Jump-scare moment when a "wild" animal being held captive leaps angrily in his cell, scaring Nick and Judy. Another upsetting scene when it seems a friend has turned on someone he cares about. Creepy moments in dark places (car lot, buildings) as characters investigate a missing mammal case. Chases and fighting (including on a moving train). Explosion/crash. Mobster has Nick and Judy kidnapped and threatens to "ice" them (drown them in frozen water), but he doesn't go through with it. Antagonists with dart guns get ready to shoot Nick and Judy. A young fox bullies a young bunny, shoving her and clawing her across the cheek; in another sad scene, a young fox is bullied by those he thought were friends. Some of the large animals/predators are intimidating.

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Sex, Romance & Nudity

very little

Gazelle the singer wears glittery, "sexy" clothes; she and her tiger dancers dance somewhat suggestively. A "naturalist" club is a place for animals who are "nudists" to commune together without clothes (Judy is shocked, but human viewers won't be, as that's how we see animals all the time).

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Language

a little

Fairly frequent use of insults/rude words like "dumb," "jerk," "crazy," "loser," "stupid," "moron," "butt," "shut up," "oh my God," etc.

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Products & Purchases

very little

Real-world brand names get a Zootopia spin (like Zuber instead of Uber or ZNN instead of CNN). Many offline product tie-ins, from toys to books, games, and more.