Zootopia

Since the premier of Disney's latest animated film is near, I would like to get a discussion thread going.

 

As of tonight Zootopia still maintains 100% positive reviews on RT site (93/93). I not sure if that's setting any record, but it's courting PIXAR's best for critical approval (quite an accomplishment these days). IMO, the best animated films can be enjoyed on two levels, one as pure delight for youngsters of all ages, another with a deeper more inspirational message or subtext that transcends age, catapulting a truly memorable film to more significant status, possibly a genre classic. I don't know if Disney's Zootopia will scale any lofty peeks, but it certainly has all the promise of an enthusiastic climber.


Cat

 

I'm actually surprised by the high ratings. Hopefully, this won't turn into a Frozen situation. Zootopia »

 

Finally they are a making a movie about U2!

 

What does that have anything to do with this?

 

Saw it a week ago (is it in the cinemas early in Europe?). It has the funniest moments I've seen in an animated movie, and there's much detail and subtle humour to admire. That may wel be it's greatest shortcoming; there's so much going on in 'Zootropolis' that it threatens (well, for me it did) to obscure the storyline. At the hearts it's a (surprisingly dark) detective story, the two leads are great and (again) there are almost too much interesting side characters. The police bureau itself could be the set of a very fine sitcom.

 

Sounds like a win/win for Disney, I'd be lion if I said otherwise. If there's so much going on folks can't catch it all the first time it'll bear repeat viewings.


Cat

 

Oh deer!

I must say, I really liked the cute rabbit character in the trailer - so expressively animated.

 

I must say that from the trailers this looks exceptionally clever and funny. I was really surprised. I haven't seen it yet but I'll have to check it out when it hits DVD.

Brad liked it in his Midnight Screenings review.

 

98% from critics and more importantly 95% from fans - Deadpool is 84%-93%, Force Awakens 93-90 and at the other end of the spectrum Gods of Egypt 13-47. Clearly it's a must see.

 

Wow, they're predicting it's gonna reach $70-74 million this weekend -- that's a big hit for Disney:

‘Zootopia’ $70M-$74M Opening Sets Record For Original Disney Toon; ‘London’ Raises $21M+; ‘Whiskey’ Trips – Saturday AM B.O. »

In fact, this article says it's the biggest opening ever for Disney, which is really surprising. I'm glad the movie is good -- I thought the trailers looked very funny, and the quality of the animation was first-class.

 

Sorry, lame attempt at Zooropa/Zootopia joke

 

Naw, I got it and thought it was funny!

 

Just got back from the theater. Not only is it the definition of adorable, but it's also a fun ride with its share of surprises.

 

That's amazing: 99% on Rotten Tomatoes...

Zootopia »

And almost $74M in the first weekend:

‘Zootopia’ $73.7M Opening Sets Record For Original Disney Toon; ‘London’ Raises $21.7M; ‘Whiskey’ Trips – Sunday AM B.O. »

That's a big hit by any definition.

 

My small theater in my small college town isn't showing it, so I'm really mad that I can't see this anytime soon. Literally the only proper Disney movie I've wanted to really see in YEARS.

 

I really enjoyed it.

I thought Tina Fey did the voice but it was Gennifer Goodwin.

 

I saw this on Saturday. I thought it was fine. I don’t think it was nearly as good as some reviewers apparently. I’m not saying every Disney movie has to wear its heart on its sleeve, but this film felt kind of felt somewhat emotionless. Which would be okay if it was hilarious. But I didn’t think it was that funny either. The funniest bit in the film is the Sloth DMV bit they showed (nearly in full) in one of the trailers, and that segment actually had a few small edits on the trailer, so even that one kind of drags on too long in the actual film.

The designs are good, the whole thing looks and feels generally like a fun Disney movie. But there was nothing remarkable. I’m not nearly as enamored with “Inside Out” or “Frozen” as some other viewers and critics, but at least in those cases I totally “get” why they’re so well-regarded. But I’m a bit perplexed by “Zootopia.” Again, it’s a good film. I’d give it a solid B or B-, maybe a 7 out of 10. Nothing egregious. But the characters aren’t either soft and cute enough to make that sort of thing work (their designs are cute, but the characters aren’t), nor funny enough to make it just work that way. I’d say “The Emperor’s New Groove” is funnier than this one. “Big Hero 6” was somewhat funnier and had more heart.

This reviewer is on the track of how I feel about the film, especially how the latter portion of the film is overloaded with plot: Zootopia (2016) »

 

I did a double-take on "best opening weekend ever for Disney", and then saw that the opening weekend for "Frozen" was at ONE theater. Frozen's "second" weekend, which was really for all intents and purposes functionally its first, brought in over $93 million.

In defense of "Zooptopia" though, I think while overrated, it's still better than at least a few of the other eight movies above it on the all-time animated opening weekends list (e.g. "Minions", "Monsters University").

I also give "Zootopia" some credit as well for not being a sequel or reboot or something derived from an already-existing property. "Inside Out" is the only "original" film above "Zootopia" on that all-time list. The others are sequels or, in the case of "The Simpsons Movie", of course an adaptation of a TV show.

 

You're pandaring to those who like animal puns.

 

Just a hare.


Cat

 

Pardon me if I happen to be dogging along.

 

Punish humor is often a stretch, but at the risk of ostrich-ization, I bet it made giraffe.


Cat

 

I'd be lion if I said otherwise.

--Geoff

 

Just don't let 'em buffalo you!