Rated PG for some thematic elements, rude humor and action.
Starring the voices of Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Alan Tudyk, Idris Elba, Bonnie Hunt and J.K. Simmons
Directed by Byron Howard (Tangled and Bolt), Rich Moore (Wreck-it Ralph) and Jared Bush
Zootopia is an absolute gem.
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Whenever today’s parents take their kids to an animated film, they wonder: “Is this going to be one of those films I’m snoozing through while my kids watch it… or will this be one that we actually ALL enjoy?”
TODD’S WORD: Been there!
JONATHAN’S WORD: We’ve all been there. Some kids’ films are painful. And then there are those that we’d watch even if our kids WEREN’T with us at all!
TODD’S WORD: Like Toy Story…
JONATHAN’S WORD: The Incredibles…
TODD’S WORD: Shrek…
JONATHAN’S WORD: Beauty and the Beast…
TODD’S WORD: Did you just admit that outloud?
JONATHAN’S WORD: I’m a closet romantic. But yes… loved it. Back to Zootopia. My college aged daughters wanted to see this one so we went as a family and loved every minute of it!
TODD’S WORD: Same here. Disney’s latest animated film about predators and prey living together in harmony is so much fun. The story is structured like a buddy cop film with a message about diversity thrown in for good measure.
JONATHAN’S WORD: The diversity message was powerful. The writers effectively used the premise of predators and prey to talk about some deep issues that most people avoid. I thought I was watching “Spike Lee’s Zootopia.”
TODD’S WORD: At the same time, it wasn’t preachy. Most will enjoy it because of the strong character development between the two central characters. The two work together to solve the mystery of missing animals, deliver a lot of laughs and teach us some valuable lessons along the way.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Emphasis on laughs. I remember the first preview I saw for this film. It was the DMV scene with the sloths. My son and I were in the theatre together when we first saw this and we were laughing out loud. Brilliant scene!
TODD’S WORD: I agree. I think the screenplay hits that sweet spot where it manages to appeal to kids with its bright colors, cute characters and slapstick humor; while keeping the adults laughing at the pop culture references that are actually funny instead of annoying. I mean when you pull off a Godfather joke you get my vote.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Or the subtle Breaking Bad reference… did you catch that one?
TODD’S WORD: I think most people missed that one.
JONATHAN’S WORD: And Disney always casts amazing voices.
TODD’S WORD: The casting was flawless. Idris Elba, Bonnie Hunt, J.K. Simmons and others just do a fantastic job, but it’s Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin who make this movie so great.
JONATHAN’S WORD: I totally agree. They didn’t necessarily go with “blockbuster names”… they opted for blockbuster talent instead.
TODD’S WORD: A great story, with a flawless cast, strong directors and beautiful animation would be enough to earn a “Worth Buying” score, but it doesn’t end there. Amazingly the film is able convey a serious message about the dangers and ugliness of prejudices in the midst of all the beauty. It’s brilliant.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Zootopia is a family-oriented film that will actually appeal to the entire family.
We’ll both be “Buying” this one!
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one is so much fun for the whole family.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- How would you describe how Judy does her job?
- What can we learn from her example?
- What can we learn from this verse?
- How can you bring glory to God by what you do?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.