As a sequel released nine years later, Zootopia 2 inevitably invites comparisons to its predecessor. The original Zootopia was truly remarkable—its story was fresh and imaginative, its themes rich and layered, and its characters vividly distinct. It earned Oscars and Golden Globes for Best Animated Feature. Under such circumstances, surpassing the original is indeed challenging. Disney opted for a safe approach, building upon the foundation of the first movie with minor additions rather than major overhauls. Consequently, Zootopia 2 lacks fresh creativity, merely shifting focus to marginalized animals. Its core narrative revolves around an Indiana Jones-style adventure fueled by an obsessive focus on the main couple's chemistry, a theme even referenced in the closing credits. Gary, voiced by Ke Huy Quan (who played Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), is merely a plot device—his character traits remain entirely underdeveloped. To fuel their romantic pairing, the two leads exaggerate their flaws and undergo forced personal growth, culminating in an entirely predictable, overly neat resolution.
Though not as strong as its predecessor, Zootopia 2 still holds up well compared to most animated movies. The inclusion of reptilian characters effectively mirrors the status and struggles of marginalized groups. While the portrayal of these communities remains somewhat stereotypical and lacking in details, simply bringing them into view represents progress. The apparent harmony in Zootopia, where diverse animals coexist peacefully, is merely superficial. In reality, many creatures are inherently unequal, with some marginalized groups facing even greater inequality—struggling to have their voices heard at all. Exploring this depth would have added substance, though it might have sparked more political controversy.
As a family-friendly popcorn flick, it maintains a brisk pace with plenty of laughs. The visuals are meticulously crafted, and the voice acting and sound design are solid. Dolby Cinema effectively distinguishes various sound effects, making it well worth the trip to the cinema.