Disney’s ZOOTOPIA in 3D Movie Review (with free printables!)

Official Movie Description:

“The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.”

My review:

I had the opportunity to attend a screening of Disney’s newest movie, Zootopia. I am so excited to share my experience with you!

Disney partnered with the Virginia Zoo to offer this pre-screening, and they brought along a few friends from the zoo, including a sloth! There is a sloth character in the movie, Flash, so it was especially exciting to see one live!

A few shots of the 36-year-old sloth touring the movie theatre.

ZOOTOPIA – FLASH, the fastest sloth working at the DMV—the Department of Mammal Vehicles. ©2015 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Now before we jump in, I have a confession. You can tell I’m the parent of a toddler because this is the first movie I’ve seen in a theatre since before the birth of my son. 3 years ago. I’m not joking. Also, this was the first movie I’ve seen in 3D! Also, not joking. When you’re done laughing, please continue reading.

This movie was about a bunny from a small town who wanted to move to the big city, Zootopia, in order to become a police officer. In this modern society, many species of animals live in peace together, there are no longer predators and prey. There had never been a bunny as a cop before, so she had to work extremely hard to become an officer and even harder to be taken seriously. She takes on what seems like an impossible case to prove she earned her spot in the Z.P.D.

As a crime TV fanatic, I can tell you this movie has something for everyone! I was totally sucked into the plot of the film, and forgot I was even watching cartoon characters. It seemed like an episode of Law and Order and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. I was concerned it might even be too “adult” for kids to follow the storyline. But the characters are engaging and funny, so children would definitely be entertained throughout the film as well. All the kids in the theatre were giggling and enjoying themselves throughout the flick. This is truly a film for the entire family to enjoy.

One of the elements that made it so easy to get wrapped up in the film was the superb animation and attention to detail put into the 3D elements. You could see individual strands of fur and drops of rain. It’s truly amazing how realistic this animated film is.

I think I just found a new favorite Disney movie!

7 Fun Facts about the movie:

1. “Zootopia” is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 55^th animated feature.
2. Artists designing Assistant Mayor Bellwether were inspired by the lambs in the old Disney films “Make Mine Music” and “Melody Time.”
3. Artists crafted six unique outfits for Assistant Mayor Bellwether. The chosen fabric, naturally, was wool. Her outfits include a houndstooth dress, a blazer and a little bell in honor of her moniker. She also has an orange dress with a scissor pattern that represents shears.
4. Artists were inspired by Mufasa from Disney’s classic film “The Lion King” when creating the look of Mayor Lionheart.
5. While researching the variety of animals that would inhabit Zootopia, filmmakers learned that not all fur is the same. A strand of polar bear fur is clear—it’s the light reflecting off of it that makes it appear white—and a strand of fox fur is dark at the root, getting lighter till its red tip. Artists strived to replicate their findings to ensure that the animals in “Zootopia” were believable.
6. When artists realized that real rabbits actually have a split upper lip, they decided to forego authenticity in this case and kept Judy’s lip all together.
7. Advances in technology allowed filmmakers to trim the fur that fell beneath clothing so that the garments hung correctly. Previously, hairs that intersected with an item of clothing—like Bolt’s collar—had to be plucked one by one, which would have been an impossible feat in a film like “Zootopia.”

Printables:

I am sharing here some printable coloring sheets displaying some of the characters in the movie, as well as a matching game (match the footprint to its animal).

Zootopia Animal Tracks

Zootopia Coloring Pages

I encourage you to go see this movie, coming out this week! March 4, 2016. Enjoy! And of course, come back and let us know what you think!