Nick and Judy returned to the big screen this Thanksgiving, giving us a movie that, for me, broke Disney’s streak of disappointing sequels. “Zootopia 2” expands its world by introducing reptile communities, using them to explore themes of racism, colonization and gentrification in direct allegories. The film addresses the displacement of neighborhoods with a level of clarity that makes these complex issues accessible to audiences of all ages.
The story uses the mystery surrounding Zootopia’s founders to show how discrimination and exclusion can affect both communities and individuals, even in a city that seems like a safe haven for all. The film emphasizes that ignoring history and treating people unfairly can create long-lasting impacts, without sacrificing the charm and humor Disney movies strive for.
By presenting racism and gentrification through relatable characters and an engaging story, children can begin to understand the real-world impact of unfair treatment. Early awareness helps encourage critical thinking and teaches values in a way that is approachable. “Zootopia 2” normalizes conversations about hard-hitting topics and shows viewers why it’s essential to listen to others, respect differences and support one another as a team.
We also dive deeper into Nick and Judy’s lives as they navigate their new “partnership.” The two share their innermost feelings for each other and reinforce the importance of communication and trust on a team. They’re joined by extremely lovable side characters, most notably Gary De’Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan, who is smuggled into Zootopia in search of a way to bring his family back home.
Nick, Gary and Judy find themselves on the run from the law, teaming up with both old and new friends to solve the mystery of Zootopia’s founders. The story balances social commentary, humor and heartfelt character development, making it a sequel that feels truly worth watching. Looking at the first and second movies side by side, there are plenty of similarities. The second movie brings enough fan service to the screen for the movie to be enjoyed by anyone. I was engaged in every scene, and there was never a moment that felt dull or rushed. The movie was extremely well thought out, with niche and obvious references to previous Disney movies that everyone can catch. Noticing the differences between the films and realizing why the second movie was needed stimulates the critical thinking that is much needed in this day and age.
