A NEW DIRECTION for Disney?

Rating: 9/10 (1 April 2016)

My REVIEW of Zootropolis Disney's 55th Animated Feature Film. Is it the film we all hoped for from the trailers? Does it hold up to some masterpieces like The Lion King, Aladdin etc. Without having a Prince Charming or Princess and taking this film a completely different way the answer is simply YES. This is a fantastic example of Disney taking a chance and NAILING IT. This has a fantastic lesson for children at the beginning screaming "CHASE YOUR DREAMS." Even though Hopps's family was telling her that her dreams of becoming a Cop was unrealistic, she perseveres and that's such a great message. I think it's such a change to see a film marketed towards children to have so many different values and lessons woven into one story. All is not happy and dream chasing for long the film takes a grittier feel in the second act. This is possibly the most racially charged animated feature film that any studio has produced. There are elements of discrimination, prejudice and fear of others who are different throughout this film. Now don't be thinking that this isn't a Disney film as it certainly is with great humour for children. However, not since The Great Mouse Detective have I been so swept up in a Disney mystery. The characters all worked beautifully apart from Gazelle (Shakira), there seemed to be a lot of focus on her but yet didn't move the story along in any way. The sloths however STOLE THE SHOW. To be clear, the movie is very well written and funny I mean some of the self aware references were fantastic. Look out for the Easter Eggs as some of them are genius. There was a period where animated Disney films without the Pixar attachment took a backseat. This may be the beginning of a new era. This is a film I would highly recommend seeing.