STORYLINE: Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers. (IMDb) 

  The holidays and the release of a Disney animated feature go hand in hand.  Frozen (2013), Encanto (2021), Moana 2 (2024) all have dominated the box office in recent years. This thanksgiving weekend Zootopia 2, is set to be the latest juggernaut from the house of mouse.

    Zootopia 2, fits the sequel mold.  It has a similar story and structure to its predecessor.  The little moments that made the original a success are duplicated for this film.  The beloved characters return, including minor ones. Of course, there is a set up for another franchise entry.  

    What made this film work, are those returning little moments.  They are a nod to the pop culture I like, and they spoof it.  The jokes work on two levels.  The first is for the younger audience, which the film is targeted.  The second is for the adult audience  who knows the films they are spoofing, such as The Shining (1980).  It’s what makes this animated film fun for the whole family.

   These moments elevate the motion picture. The story told is predictable.  Then again, it is a sequel, and follows the same trajectory of its predessor. 

   Despite a predictable story, I found enjoyment in the little moments in the film.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!