USA TODAY National
Kids love talking cartoon animals, and Disney’s 2016 animated hit “Zootopia” was the peak of that, with a whole metropolis full of critters.
That is, until now. Because the sequel “Zootopia 2” (in theaters now) doubles and triples down on colorful characters – furry and otherwise – engineered to entertain youngsters.
The new film returns bunny cop Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and street fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), unlikely friends and partners who saved the city of Zootopia and have to do it again, with a snake on the loose. Add in other familiar faces and a bunch of famous cameos, and there’s plenty for children to adore. But is the expansive world and story of “Zootopia 2” OK for the littlest ones?
Here’s what parents need to know about the big Thanksgiving weekend family film:
What is ‘Zootopia 2’ about?
The latest Disney film catches up where the first “Zootopia” left off, with Nick joining the police force with Judy. They’ve been partners for a week but their go-getting attitude and rogue tendencies are already irking Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) and their ZPD co-workers. The sudden appearance of a venomous pit viper named Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) sends the partners on a dangerous mission to find out why reptiles are outsiders in Zootopia and how Gary is connected to an old journal that contains the patent for the weather walls that create the city’s ecosystem.
Trying to help Gary and his family, Judy and Nick run afoul of powerful businessman Milton Lynxley (David Strathairn), who has designs on expanding Tundratown. But the bunny with the hero complex and her emotionally insecure fox pal find allies, such as chatty podcasting beaver Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) and helpful lizard Jesús (Danny Trejo).
What is the age rating of the new ‘Zootopia’ sequel?
“Zootopia 2” is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association “for action/violence and rude humor.” The latter isn’t too egregious: For example, when one character makes fun of Nick, he goes, “What does the fox say? You suck!” And there are a number of perilous action scenes where youngsters might worry about Nick and Judy as they rocket through a watery transport tube in harrowing fashion, survive a house falling apart at the top of a mountain, and battle the main villain (you’ll have to see the movie for that reveal!) in a chilly life-or-death situation.
What is the run time of ‘Zootopia 2’?
The sequel is one hour and 48 minutes long. That’s somewhat lengthier than the usual animated family fare, though it’s exactly the same run time as the original “Zootopia.” So if your kiddos were fine watching the first one, they’ll be OK here.
Who does Robert Irwin play in the ‘Zootopia’ sequel?
The conservationist son of “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin is the breakout of this season of “Dancing With the Stars” and also appears in “Zootopia 2” as an Australian koala named Robert Furwin. He’s one of many celebrity cameos in the sequel. Some, like Shakira as the pop star Gazelle, return from the first movie, while a bunch more are new, including Ed Sheeran as a sheep barber (Ed Shearin!) and Dwayne Johnson is a dik-dik who has a mishap with a musical instrument. Then there’s Michael J. Fox, whose character is Michael J. The Fox, naturally.
One fan favorite among kids who's also back is Nick’s DMV sloth pal Flash (Raymond S. Persi). He’s super-slow at his desk job but is a speed demon behind the wheel.
So, is ’Zootopia 2’ suitable for little kids?
On the whole, “Zootopia 2” is designed for kids of all ages, with immersive animation, animal characters who really pop (everybody's going to love the heck out of Nibbles) and an inviting if exposition-heavy narrative. There are some hairy moments, however, that might cause kids to worry − early on, one animal gets fanged and later on a couple are injected with deadly venom. But the violence is extremely cartoonish and everybody ends up OK in the end.
The action and comedy will keep the kiddos entertained, but like the first film, the sequel touches on prejudice plus adds some other weighty topics such as land grabbing. Some children might get bored but there are good messages about the importance of working together and how different folks are what make a community special. Moms and Dads will appreciate that as well the fun Disney references and clever pop-culture riffs on “The Shining,” “Back to the Future” and more.
When is ‘Zootopia 2’ coming to Disney+?
“Zootopia 2” is in theaters now. If your family is eager to stream it, though, you’ll have to wait a while. If it follows a similar home-release path as last year’s Thanksgiving release, “Moana 2,” the “Zootopia” sequel will likely be available via on-demand platforms in mid-to-late January and then on Disney+ in March.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is 'Zootopia 2' appropriate for younger children? A parent's guide
Reporting by Brian Truitt, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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