‘Zootopia 2’ is the best remake Disney has ever made

By Danielle Cherry

Back in the world of Zootopia, not much has changed, except for the fact that Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are partners for the ZPD. Their friendship is on the line as they embark on a harrowing journey through Zootopia to retrieve a lost journal and, consequently, a lost land. 

Zootopia, while known for its harmony of different animal species, has a secret – a species that was banished due to mysterious reasons: reptiles. While Judy embraces the chase, Nick is skeptical, uncertain whether trusting a snake is a good idea. Before they know it, the pair are slithering into another mystery that tests their trust. 

This movie is masterfully created; everything from the cast to the beautiful plot and animation captures what true friendship and fun look like. The cast featured actors like Ke Huy Quan, Shakira and even a new favorite Robert Irwin. 

Judy and Nick’s journey expands our view of Zootopia, immersing the audience in new worlds as the duo explores them. Hot on the trail in pursuit, viewers feel the tension of every moment. The immersion is so potent, with animation capturing the action so vividly, I found myself clutching my seat for support. 

A deep dive into Judy and Nick’s relationship explores new sides of the characters that “Zootopia” only grazed. As the plot develops, we see the soft, caring side of Nick and the insecure, timid side of Judy, reversing the stereotypes of fox and bunny. 

Yet the pair still has a lot of work to do in order to be a functional team. Faced with stark differences in life priorities and morals, the pair portray that love is embracing each other’s differences and learning to work through them. 

While rumors about this movie floated the idea of Nick and Judy becoming a couple, I love that they are not (well, at least not yet). For the first time in forever, Disney shows that a male and female can just be friends without extending into romance. This only makes the snark from Nick and the sass that Judy throws right back at him more enjoyable. 

Comedic moments don’t sideline the heartfelt message that accompanies the laughter. Nick’s character in particular never ceases to cause bubbling laughter in all ages. The animators bring Nick’s suave persona to life in the exquisite facial expressions, truly capturing the essence of a debonair man, or rather, fox. 

Stakes grow exponentially in the return of “Zootopia.” The climax and plot twists genuinely surprised me, making the plot genius in that it entertains children and adults alike. While the vivid colors and slapstick jokes make this a children’s movie, the plot outside the animation is shocking, and dare I say, realistic if it wasn’t told with talking animals. 

Everyone is well aware that Disney has been on a bad streak with movies, especially sequels. What truly saved “Zootopia 2” was the love that fans had for the film. Disney pulled out all the stops, with actors, animation and action making this sequel even better than the first. 

Something I can’t get over is how seamlessly the two movies combine. Almost 10 years later, the plot stays consistent, even building on character flaws established in the first movie. Throughout “Zootopia 2,” there are so many references to the original movie, with callbacks to iconic characters like Weaselton as well as iconic objects like Nick’s infamous “Pawsicles” and the carrot voice recorder. 

What stands out most about this movie is Judy and Nick.Yes, they are the main characters, but it’s more than that. They portray the joys and hardships of being committed in a friendship and the emotional pain a person goes through when a relationship is broken.

I couldn’t even tell you the last time I cared so much about animated characters. This movie shows love and sacrifice in a way that is tangible for kids and emotional for adults. At the same time, this movie accomplishes what it set out to do: entertain. 

“Zootopia 2” scales the movie charts, surpassing the two-time Oscar winner’s sequel, “Wicked For Good” in the box office opening weekend, with one of their Oscars being for box office success. While the argument remains that Nick and Judy can only speak because Elphaba fought for their rights, the love fans have for “Zootopia” speaks for itself. 

If you are looking for your next favorite movie, look no fur-ther. Nick and Judy are my favorite cop duo to ever grace the screen, with their incredible chemistry that cop movies strive to achieve. Joining Nick and Judy on their adventure is sure to be a memory you will keep forever, after all, “Zootopia 2” is a wild ride. 

“Zootopia 2 is currently playing in theaters

Danielle Cherry is a sophomore communication major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves to travel, play volleyball and is waiting for Nick Wilde to become a real person and not a fox. 

Images Courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios