Zootopia 2

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, Zootopia 2 follows Ginnifer Goodwin’s Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman’s Nick Wilde as they’re forced to go on the run to clear their names. Filmmakers Bush and Howard, armed with Bush’s screenplay, deliver a predictably slick sequel that grows more and more engaging as it progresses, and there’s little doubt, ultimately, that the picture’s almost egregiously fast-paced opening stretch does, at the outset, lend the proceedings an almost mindless feel – with this vibe certainly heightened by the early emphasis on larger-than-life action set-pieces and less-than-subtle instances of comedy. It’s clear, then, that Zootopia 2 improves considerably once it progresses into its comparatively sedate midsection and second half, as the picture benefits from its emphasis on Judy and Nick’s compelling investigation and their eventually battle against the narrative’s surprising villain – with the solid voice performances enhancing the extremely watchable atmosphere. By the time the satisfying climax rolls around, Zootopia 2 has confirmed its place as a better-than-expected follow up that could (and should) have been streamlined and tightened up.

*** out of ****