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Zootopia - Movie Review

Walt Disney never fails to release another successful film; this time around Disney manages to impress critics with a brand new furry, comedy adventure film: Zootopia. The film takes place in an anthropomorphic world where prey and predators live in harmony. Judy Hopps, an inspired rabbit, desires to have a career as a police officer. However, there are no records of a rabbit being nothing more than a farmer, and thus she is constantly reprimanded that her goal is impossible; even her parents are dubious about her ambitions. Judy's earnest and determined nature is constantly met with challenges--one being society's stern stereotypes. The film seemingly presents itself as childish and cutesy, yet it manages to highlight important factors in society. 

Judy Hopps has always been described as an aspiring, optimistic individual. She had always desired to become someone who can save the world or more specifically, a police officer. However, a problem persists--there has never been a rabbit cop, and the possibilities of becoming one is enormously difficult due to being a rabbit; most rabbits become carrot farmers, not heroic cops. Thus, her efforts are constantly met with doubts. However, with hard work and optimism, she eventually fulfills her dreams of becoming the first rabbit cop and is transferred over to a nearby city, Zootopia. Upon arrival, she is assigned parking duty; she isn't pleased with her position, but is overly optimistic and sets a personal goal for herself--200 tickets. During her shift, she encounters a fox, who attempts to buy an elephant sized popsicle for his son; the owner of the shop is highly suspicious of the fox's request and refuses to serve him anything. Hopps, appalled at the shop's owner for labeling the fox as sly merely due to his species, steps in and purchases the elephant sized popsicle for the fox, and learns that his name is Nick Wilde. 

Moments later, she uncovers that Nick is indeed, a con artist; she attempts to arrest him but to no avail as he hasn't technically done anything illegal, per say. Wilde warns Hopps that the world isn't as hopeful and wondrous as she sees it to be. This later proves to be right, as Hopps abandons her post to arrest a thief, only to be scolded by her boss and is nearly fired until Mrs. Otterton interrupts and pleads to locate her missing husband. Hopps immediately volunteers and agrees to resign if she cannot find Mr. Otterton in the span of two days. She is then handed the case file that only consists of Mr. Otterton's last location. In the photo, Hopps sees Wilde and blackmails him into assisting her in unveiling the crime. The duo is overcome by several obstacles, ranging from other mammals to society's prejudice. What will occur? Will they survive? Watch the film to figure it out yourself. 

Overall, the movie had a vast critic acclaim, filling with numerous positive reviews. The positivity of the critics is rather understandable. Zootopia manages to invoke thought provoking notions, touching base on rather complex concerns; to be able to involve prejudice and stereotypes in a humorous and enjoyable fashion is impressive. It may appear childish, frivolous and overall... well stupid, but that certainly isn't the case. The cast of the film is extremely well done, most of which are either relatable and/or intriguing. The cutesy and humorous aspects of the film are also well done and is suitable for any ages. Should you watch the movie? Yes. Will you? Probably not, but at least give it some consideration. It isn't as bad as you think it may be.

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