Netflix Summary:
When an otter mysteriously disappears from the animal city of Zootopia, a rabbit police officer teams up with a fast-talking fox to set things right.
FYA Summary:
For most of her life, Judy Hopps has been about standing up to the bad guys. She wants nothing more than to put them in their place, and so attempts to become the first rabbit police officer in Zootopia’s history.
She’s judged harshly, of course, and seemingly can do nothing to gain favor with her boss, Chief Bogo. Until the predators in the city start going crazy, and Judy takes it upon herself to investigate.
Familiar Faces Voices:
Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps
Judy is a no-nonsense girl bunny who’s willing to do whatever it takes to follow her dreams. Even if that means bending the occasional rule—as hard as that is for her to do—and trusting people animals who are just over the line between responsible law-abiding citizens and individuals with questionable morals.
Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde
Nick Wilde is, seemingly, a traditional con man fox. What’s not so traditional is the trauma in his past that he eventually overcomes on a path toward redemption.
Idris Elba as Chief Bogo
Chief Bogo is a man buffalo who thinks he knows right from wrong. He’s quick to judge and lacks patience, but he is willing/able to change when he’s wrong or someone proves themselves to him.
Jenny Slate as Bellwether
At first meeting, Bellwether is a total sheep—both figuratively and literally. She eventually subverts her own trope, but I won’t say more because spoilers.
Nate Torrence as Clawhauser
Clawhauser is a total delight. A chubby, sweet guy cheetah who is pretty much the antithesis of all that is being a cheetah.
Bonnie Hunt as Bonnie Hopps
Bonnie is everything you might want in a mother (including the fact that she’s voice by Bonnie Hunt).
Tommy Chong as Yax
Yax is a guy yak who has a deep love of herbs and being free (i.e., being in the nude). I don’t know—and don’t want to know—about Tommy’s naturist proclivities, but otherwise, Yax is perfectly cast.
J.K. Simmons as Mayor Leodore Lionheart
J.K. Simmons should always voice lions, or really, any character that needs to sound Very Important. But I’d prefer them to be not-so-shady characters, which is kind of the opposite of Lionheart.
Octavia Spencer as Mrs. Otterton
Mrs. Otterton is a dedicated wife who won’t give up on her husband, even when all seems lost. And yes, they hold hands at some point.
Alan Tudyk as Duke Weaselton
Duke is an amazing example of Disney trolling. Duke’s a weasel (both in species and character), Judy frequently mispronounces his name as Weselton, and he’s voiced by Alan. *slow clap* (Click here if you’re unsure of the reference.)
Shakira as Gazelle
Gazelle is a gorgeous, talented singer. And even in animated form, those hips don’t lie.
Kristen Bell as Priscilla Tripletoe
Kristen playing a sloth? I’m so excited.
Also, looking at IMDB, Josh Dallas—Ginnifer’s real-life husband/baby daddy—voiced a character named “Frantic Pig.” I find this hilarious.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Bring the Family
Although it’s an animated film, Zootopia has something for everyone. It’s at times funny, serious, charming, spirit-raising and fist pump-inducing. The kids will laugh at the jokes, the adults will appreciate the message that, if you put in the effort, you can achieve all of your dreams (and laugh at the jokes), and your animals might enjoy seeing creatures like themselves onscreen.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Keep it G-Rated
As this is a family-friendly movie, I’d follow the advice of the Motion Picture Association of America and keep any viewing of this movie appropriate for all ages.
Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Excellent
Zootopia continues the decades-long trend of Disney making fabulous animated movies with serious heart and a fantastic soundtrack. If you missed this one in theaters, do yourself a favor and use your Netflix wisely.
To watch it, and soon. In case that wasn’t clear.
