Zootropolis

Zootropolis is by far the best 3D Disney animated movie. After mixed attempts of late with Big Hero 6, Wreck it Ralph and Frozen it feels like Disney have returned to what they do so well; perfectly crafted and completely uncynical movies. Disney have been way too self-aware in the last five years or so, which has manifested in sucking all the magic out of its recent films. Frozen was okay but the whole point seemed to be subverting the classic princess story, as with Tangled, to the extent that it got in the way of a well-crafted film, the whole theme delivered in a tacked-on ending. Big Hero 6 was disappointing, it was trying so hard to be cool, and Wreck it Ralph was good but just a little too cutesy. With those films you could feel the board meetings, suggestions pandering to what’s cool right now, the retro videogames and self-awareness. They're either cynical and calculating or the writers just have bad taste. Like the Poochie Simpsons episode. Zootropolis seemed to forget all this nonsense, and was so good in so many ways it’s almost easier to name its few tiny flaws, but that’s no fun.

So it’s about the determined and optimistic Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) who against all odds becomes the first bunny cop. She becomes entangled in a hard-boiled detective style web of mystery and seeks assistance from sly fox hustler Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) in the big city of Zootropolis, where evolved animals – a variety of predators and prey – live in peace. The couple bicker and bond in the typical noir style while uncovering a citywide conspiracy in a very traditional detective story. And it’s gorgeous and funny and well written – everything you’d expect from an early ‘90s Disney movie. The leads' chemistry is fantastic, the story is pacey and interesting and clear, and the jokes are natural and not just pop culture references a la Shrek (there are a couple of instances but they’re really well done). The theme of stereotyping and prejudice is part of the plot and not just an afterthought like Frozen, and might be a self-aware apology of stereotyping Disney has gotten such a bad rap for, but it’s actually integral to the story and not something that gets in the way. The animation is the best it’s been since the 2D era and the level of research you'd expect from Disney is so evident in the way the animals move; you could enjoy the film with the sound off, there's so much care put into everything. Just watch Judy's nose. I used to miss Disney’s 2D stuff but if they continue to make films of this quality I don’t care how many Ds there are. It’s wonderful, go and see it and then buy the blu-ray.