Zootopia 2: An Okay Movie, but a Bad Sequel

When you think of a movie, you probably think of a memorable scene or moment. But behind every one of those moments is the plot, the story that connects everything together. If that story fails, even the most visually impressive film begins to lose its impact.

Now if you have heard anything about Zootopia 2, Disney’s newest animated film, you have probably come across people saying it is amazing or even better than the original. As a fan of the first film, that was what I hoped to say too. 

However, after watching the movie, I found myself disappointed by how much it falls short under closer inspection. While the film has some strengths, its plot does a poor job hiding both its similarities to the first film and its inferiority to it.

To give credit where it is due, the movie does have some positives. Most notably, its flow works surprisingly well. It integrates many set pieces in a way that does not feel forced or included just for spectacle. Each new area that Judy and Nick visit feels relevant to the story, whether it be the gala, where Judy investigates the Lynxley journal and the possible snake PR scheme, or Marsh Market, where they look for a reptile with information. These locations feel connected to the plot rather than existing as simple eye candy.

And of course, the film is visually beautiful.

Sadly, that is where most of the praise ends. Despite these positives, the movie’s biggest flaw is just how similar it is to the first film. On the surface, the stories seem different. The second film focuses on helping snakes regain their place in Zootopia, while the first centers on solving the feral animal mystery.

However, when you step back, the broad strokes of both films are remarkably alike. Both open with Judy chasing a criminal despite orders from her superior, causing major damage. In both, she finds a clue to a larger conspiracy during the chase, only for it to be ignored. Nick reluctantly follows along on her investigation, and Judy eventually believes she has solved the mystery, only to be betrayed by a close ally revealed to be behind everything all along. Even the themes overlap, with both films centering on discrimination against a group.

That would not necessarily be a problem if Zootopia 2 executed that formula well. The issue is that it does not. Despite taking an extremely safe approach and having the blueprint of the first movie right in front of it, the sequel still falls short in the areas where the original excelled.

One of the clearest examples is Judy and Nick’s relationship, which was one of the strongest parts of the first film. Here, it feels watered down. Judy often disregards Nick’s input and can be frustrating to watch, making several moments feel out of character. For example, when Nick saves her from drowning, Judy immediately blames him for not going after Gary the snake. Moments like this feel inconsistent with how she was portrayed in the first movie. Judy was always over eager, but she was also understanding and willing to hear from others. In this film, she often comes across as far more self-centered.

That change also weakens the eventual payoff in her relationship with Nick. When the two finally reveal their insecurities, the scene treats the conflict as though both failed to communicate equally. In reality, the movie mostly shows Judy refusing to listen to Nick while dragging him along. Because of that, the moment where both admit their mistakes feels forced and unearned.

Even the new characters feel lackluster. Gary the snake is flat and reduced to a nice, cheerful victim of circumstance. 

Pawbert—the main villian—especially does not land the way the writers likely intended. Even aside from how similar he is to Mayor Bellwether, he never feels especially compelling. As a timid and awkward member of an evil family, he is clearly meant to be a surprising reveal. Instead, that exact setup makes the twist predictable. His motivation also feels weak, especially compared to Bellwether, whose goals tied neatly into the first film’s theme of prey animals being overlooked. Pawbert’s own motive, to win the approval of a cartoonishly evil and power-hungry family that literally wants to expand its borders, feels much weaker by comparison and, frankly, kind of pathetic.

With that being said, I do not personally believe that Zootopia 2 is a bad movie, per se. Despite what this review may suggest, it was still a decently enjoyable experience. The visuals are stunning, the set pieces are entertaining, and there is enough here to keep the film engaging on a surface level. What it is, however, is a bad sequel. For those expecting the same level of quality, nuance, and writing as the original, you may be left disappointed. But for viewers who simply want to shut off their brains and enjoy an attractive, fast-moving animated film, Zootopia 2 may still be worth watching.