FILM REVIEW: ZOOTROPOLIS 2 (PG) ESP RATING: 4.5/5

This sequel to 2016’s Zootropolis has just reminded us how magical a trip to the movies can be.

In a year where cinema has been crying out for a true family-friendly blockbuster with heart, humour and genuine craft, the latest Disney animation has bounced onto screens – with a genuine cinematic buzz.  In what may go down as one of the toughest years for movies – both in quality and box-office takings (bar the recent Wicked: For Good of course) – this animated sequel is not only breaking records, but doing so deservingly. This is a film that feels like it was made with care, confidence and, above all else, love.

There’s no heavy-handed modern messaging being forced into the story. No obvious box-ticking studio interference. No sense of a script stitched together by too many competing voices. Instead, what we get is something refreshingly rare: a sequel that understands exactly what made the original special and simply builds on it.

We return to the bustling animal metropolis as optimistic bunny Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and mischievous fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find themselves back on the beat. When a mysterious new arrival threatens the fragile balance of Zootopia, the duo are pulled into a fast-moving investigation that tests their partnership in new ways.

Alongside returning favourites such as Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) and pop icon Gazelle (Shakira), the film introduces standout newcomers too – including a brilliant turn from Ke Huy Quan’s (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) villainous reptilian antagonist.

But what truly elevates Zootropolis 2 is its writing. It’s sharp, self-aware and confidently paced. It knows its core audience ‘inside out’ – while also rewarding adults with clever asides and perfectly pitched humour. Just when the dialogue risks becoming a little too talk-heavy, a slick and well-timed action sequence swoops in to lift the energy right back up.

I took two seven-year-olds with me to the screening – a reliable real-world ‘barometer’ for any family film. While many children’s releases this year have struggled to hold their attention, this time they were completely glued to the screen from start-to-finish. No fidgeting, no whispering, no wandering eyes. And looking around the packed cinema, it was clear that wasn’t just true for the kids – audience members of all ages were fully invested.

Visually, the film is bursting with colour and imagination once again. Zootopia still feels like a living, breathing city, overflowing with movement, background gags and tiny visual details that reward repeat viewings.

But it’s the emotional heart of the story that lands the biggest impact. At its core, this remains a film about trust, identity and learning to grow together – handled with warmth, sincerity and a refreshing lack of preachiness.

This is, without question, the best Disney film in a fair while. And while that statement may not carry the weight it once did, trust me when I say this one is truly worthy of your time and your cinema ticket.

Whether you’re heading along as a family – or you’re simply a grown-up who still loves a great animated adventure – this absolutely delivers.

ESP Rating: 4.5/5

Mike Clarke

Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now

Voice Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Shakira, Idris Elba, Fortune Feimster, Patrick Warburton, Danny Trejo, Alan Tudyk, Jenny Slate & Bonnie Hunt

Running Time: 1 Hr 48 Mins

Directors: Jared Bush & Byron Howard

Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough

For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe Cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk