Zootopia | 5 reasons to go see it

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Confession time. Having not seen a single preview for Zootopia, I had no idea what to expect. Knowing it was Disney, when I was offered the chance to see a screening, I jumped. I didn’t even look to Facebook or youtube to catch a preview.

I promise no spoilers.

Just in case you are like me, here’s what they have to say about it.

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.

Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), the very first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the opportunity to crack her first case—even if it means partnering with fast-talking, scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) to solve the mystery.

You know Disney does it right. They get every little detail (like a carrot on a phone instead of an apple!) and plays on brand names to fit the zoo theme.

I give you 5 reasons you should go see Zootopia. With your kids. Or without. Your call.

1. You will get an ab workout from the laughs for the adults.

Seriously. We were cracking up for at least half the movie. The writers really on-uped themselves in the entertaining for adult factor.

2. Sloths.

I can’t say much more. They are unexpected and a good solid 5 minutes of laughter.

3. A jump.

You will see it coming. You will know it’s coming, and you will still jump out of your seat for a second. Don’t worry. I think it’s fine for the kids, too.

4. A positive message for you and your kids.

Maybe I’m the only grown up that needed it, but it hit home.

5. A nod to some Disney movies and pop culture references from TV shows.

There was one reference to a FROZEN character that took the audience a minute to get. It was quick, but hearing the delayed response in the theater made it that much more awesome.

If you are up-to-date on a TV show that has recently ended, you will appreciate what they’ve done to reference that show as well.

Zootopia Fun Facts (from Disney)

I always like reading these for different movies and arming myself with extra information I can throw out to friends or kids.

ADD IT UP — There are 64 unique species in Zootopia and most species are unique in topology: elephants have trunks, pigs have snouts; some animals have hooves, some have paws; some have three fingers, some have two.

HAIRY SITUATION – 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.

LITTLE LAMB – Artists designing Assistant Mayor Bellwether were inspired by the lambs in the old Disney films “Make Mine Music” and “Melody Time.” FANCY – 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.

HEAR ME ROAR – Artists were inspired by Mufasa from Disney’s classic film “The Lion King” when creating the look of Mayor Lionheart.

THE EYES HAVE IT – Clawhauser may not share a real cheetah’s svelte shape, but he does sport the animal’s iconic tear marks—markings that run from the inside corners of his eyes down to the outside edges of his mouth.

ROLL IN THE HAY – In an effort to bolster the animal-feel, artists added bits of debris—hay, leaves, sticks—in the coats of animals like the big sheep and Yax the Yak.

HERE KITTY KITTY – Nathan Warner, director of cinematography-layout, got a pat on the back from a real-life cheetah during their research trip to Africa. The rescued animal that caretakers had introduced to the filmmakers seemingly took offense to the camera Warner carried and leapt up to let him know. Both filmmaker and cat were just fine following the event.

STIFF UPPER LIP – 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.

TWEEZE ME – 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.”

It’s nice to have some busy activities before a movie starts or on the way to the theater. If you click on Nick (below) or the link, you will be able to download 8 Zootopia coloring pages

Or if you prefer, an activity sheet like the Zootopia Animal Tracks Match Up Printable, you can download that, too!

Seriously, I highly recommend the movie. There were many kids in the theater and they all seemed to enjoy it. I think my girls will love it, too. I never like to speak for other people or their kids and say “oh, you’ll love it” so you won’t get that here, but I definitely enjoyed it and will get it on my preorder list as soon as I can!