Zootopia” was one of the best movies ever created. It combined the idea of the underdog winning with cute animals. Who could ask for a batter plot? Now “Zootopia” was a hard movie to top, especially the first one. But “Zootopia 2” just might have taken the cake. In the new “Zootopia” movie Judy and Nick are now confirmed partners and they both are working for the Zootopia Police Department or ZPD for short. While working for the ZPD they discover that there is a new case. 

However, the way they discover it is kind of weird. Judy and Nick are attempting to chase down a smuggler in their cars however when doing so they see that the smuggler has suddenly fallen asleep behind the wheel, so with her quickthinking Judy hops into the smuggler’s car driving it away from the parade and ultimately off a cliff. The car then crashes into the statue of the new mayor. After the incident Judy and Nick have to have a meeting with Chief Bogo about their behavior. When reviewing the case with him Judy brings up how while she was in the smuggler’s car, she saw snake skin. Now snakes are banned from Zootopia, completely exiled and aren’t allowed in. Judy is certain that there was a snake. 

Then a whole subplot unfolds with a few new characters emerging. A new Snake named Gary, a beaver named Nibbles Maplestick and finally we see the Lynxley family as well. Now there are a few other characters such as a new mayor in Zootopia who is now a horse. There’s this whole plot that the Lynxley family is trying to take over “Zootopia” and erase all reptiles which feels very odd for a children’s movie. The new plot of “Zootopia 2” was not my favorite, honestly. It had these weird feelings especially when Judy and Nick made it down to the freshwater market and met up with Jesús. He explained how all of the Lynxleys have been blaming his people for the reptiles for centuries and now finally they were going to be erased from their home so the Lynxley family can expand their land. 

This plot feels extremely grown up to me, while there was some controversy surrounding it, I firmly believe it is important that we expose children to such injustices. The only way to not repeat history is to make sure we all learn about it and never repeat it. Now the new characters were super fun to me. Gary’s last name is De’Snake which I find absolutely hilarious. I think it’s such a cute play on words and I know my nephew got a good giggle out of it. The other new character, Nibbles the beaver, was so adorable. She ran a podcast about a bunch of conspiracy theories including on where the snakes went. It also turned out in the end that she was right! It was so awesome to see her spunky personality come out during the movie. 

However, I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get The City Still Has Some Bite Familiar faces return as ‘Zootopia 2’ tackles bigger, bolder ideas Katherine Moseley ‘26 Chief Focus Editor to see Nick and Judy get together in this movie. Nick, now feeling emotional, tells Judy how she is his best friend and he values her so much. Now do I understand that the show is trying to play on the whole idea that they’re animals and because Nick is a fox which is a solitary animal that he values Judy so much because she’s his first real friend. I understand it but to me it’s stupid, personally I think that a predator and a prey getting together would uphold the true meaning of the story, which is don’t crumble to society expectations, rise above them. So by seeing two animals of not only different species, but also of different categories (predator vs. prey) it would make an amazing plot line. 

However, I can see the perspective that maybe they don’t want them to get together because not every Disney movie has to be a love story. Overall, the movie was an incredible watch, it was funny, light hearted and extremely cute. I would watch it again, but if you are going to go see it, maybe don’t take the littlest ones. Save it for when they’re older.

4/5  Stars