Like an adult movie with talking animals in it, Zootopia reminds audiences how mature and dark animation can be

Rating: 10/10 (5 March 2016)

First, let me say that this film does NOT preach social justice or feminism. This film is not an allegory for racism/sexism, but is however applicable to them. It is not preachy, nor is it liberal propaganda; far from it, and this is coming from a person who severely dislikes such films.
Now let's get to this film. Zootopia is, if you don't know, about a rabbit named Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) who, despite her parents' and peers' opinions, becomes the first ever rabbit police officer in a city called Zootopia, where both predators and prey get along. On her first day, she is assigned a Missing Animal case, and her only lead is a sly fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman).
Don't listen to the trailers and plot summaries that make this film seem like a cute talking animal film. This movie is one of the most darkest and mature animated films I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. Mentioned before, this film deals with sexism (though not as much), drugs, trusting one another, bullying and believing in yourself regardless of the odds, as well as it's biggest moral which is racial profiling and prejudice. And it isn't lightly handled either; the "species-sm" (as the director called it) in this film is heartbreaking. A part of the movie was spoiled for me prior to the film, and yet said scene still made my heart malfunction in sorrow. This film is very timely-yet-timeless about how gray the topic of racism actually is in a modern society.
Even without making real-life connections, the movie is still amazingly entertaining. The world of Zootopia looks beautiful. The animation in this film is jaw-dropping, and the world is so well thought-out and interesting. You almost get angry when the film doesn't let you enjoy certain landscapes, and that's due to the film's very fast-paced plot that for some reason still finds time in giving us sweet and humble moments. Plus, the story is very well- done, you really feel invested in what's happening with the characters and city, and it's almost like you are experiencing the movie unfold at that moment; like everything that is happening is happening right at that second.
The characters of this movie are wonderful. It's supporting cast is very nice, with Idris Elba as a cliché Buffalo cop, J.K Simmons as Mayor of Zootopia, and more. But the spotlight shines on the main characters, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Their relationship stays platonic, however they have better chemistry than most Disney couples. Both of them have their own flaws, and Nick and Judy know this about each other and accept it. They are by no means perfect, and that's why they are so relatable. Plus, they speak as if they are adults. Their is a scene where Judy calls Nick "very articulate for a fox" which is very applicable and is surprisingly articulate for an animated film. They speak to each other in a very mature way, which only helps make their bond even more enjoyable to see.
And who could forget the voice acting? Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman give absolutely extraordinary performances in this film. I was so shocked to see how they spoke to each other because the voices were so genuine and in the moment. All the characters were great, but the main two were simply amazing.
This film has great messages about racism, racial profiling, and prejudice. It captures it all in ways no animated film has ever done. Top it off with great animation, story, and astonishing characters, and you have a film that stands with the animated classics. I highly recommend seeing this film, it is truly amazing.