Zootopia 2 Falls Flat: A Visually Stunning but Storytelling Misstep

Hello there, fellow film enthusiasts!

And movie buffs!

I've been a huge fan of Zootopia since it first hit the screens years ago. Every time I watch it, I find something new to love. So, when I heard about a sequel, Zootopia 2, I was both surprised and excited. My husband and I were eagerly waiting for it to drop in the online cinema, and as soon as it did, we watched it together.

My experience this time around was a mixed bag.

We got to see the beloved story in a new light, but unfortunately, the new narrative didn't quite live up to the original.

One thing that really stood out and detracted from the viewing experience was the overemphasis on action. There's just too much of it throughout the movie, from start to finish. In the first film, the detective storyline was cleverly woven with the drama and action, but in Zootopia 2, the investigative atmosphere gets lost in the sea of action and one-dimensional jokes that feel like something you'd find in a toilet humor movie.

The second thing that bugged me is the characters, especially the new ones. They're visually well-developed, but not at all thought out in terms of their motivations. Take Rysevich, for example - the audience is left wondering where her bad behavior comes from. It's like she's just evil because... she's evil, which doesn't make sense in the context of the story. And if her actions are unjustified, then what's the point of the conflict? I mean, in the first Zootopia, the conflict with Bellwether was clear - she was motivated by a desire for equality between different animal species. But Rysevich's motivations are super vague.

Zoos don't exist just to be evil, right? It's hard to understand. And that's because you need to explain why evil exists. That's important for the audience, especially for kids.

The third thing that bothered me is the lazy retread of the first movie's script. Using the 'formula from the first part' isn't inherently bad - it could have helped to deepen the story and explore new themes. But Zootopia 2 is just the same old thing, with new locations and a few new animals. The creators tried to add some drama and philosophical ideas, but it's clear they forgot that it's been nine years since the first movie, and only a week for the characters. Their dialogue and 'new insights' are basically just a repeat of what happened just a few days ago. It's hard to sympathize with them in this story. Overall, Zootopia 2 feels more like a continuation of the franchise than a unique take on the story.

Fourth: I have to say, I really enjoyed the reptiles, their significance to Zootopia, and the swampy location. In terms of locations, they did a great job of showcasing others, which visually put this movie ahead. I think little kids will love watching this kind of beauty.

I also loved the mayor's horse character (clearly a nod to someone), and how the creators used his actions to express their opinion on politics and the people in high positions.

So, Zootopia 2 left me with mixed emotions. I'm not sure I'd want to rewatch it (unlike the first part, which I've seen countless times) and therefore I don't recommend it.

Thanks for your time, and I hope you find more interesting movies and cartoons in your collection!

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