I, by no means, consider myself a Disney expert. I’ve never been to the parks, there’s quite a long list of movies I haven’t seen & I’d say the most of my childhood Disney experiences came from the TV channel. 

Seriously. Special place in my heart for Hannah Montana (RIP,) The Suite Life and Lizzie M. 

However, I do want to give a standing ovation to Disney’s Pixar studios for killing it in their movie game recently. 

I won’t sit here and say they’re all standing ovation worthy, because I haven’t seen them all and quite honestly I know they’re not. 

But hands down, Inside Out was a release to last a lifetime. The impact that this movie has made in the field of mental health is just incredible. 

This evening, Pixar yet again captured something beautiful in under two hours. Zootopia. 

Let’s be real, I only went and saw this movie because of the trailer that highlights the DMV sloth scene. If you haven’t seen it – you’re welcome. 

I won’t give you any spoilers, but the basic gist of the film is centered around a little bunny who aspires to be a police officer in a world that only doubts her. While nothing about the movie is complex, I think anyone who’s seen it can say they left completely aware of the themes of the movie and should agree that it was executed in a simply perfect way. 

Self-Confidence

In a world full of haters and non-believers, it’s easy to feel, and even sometimes give into, the pressures of those around you. Officer Hopps is not one of these statistics. 

Being a bunny automatically classifies you as prey in Zootopia, a classification that represents 90% of the population. Never has there been a bunny on the police force and never did anybody expect their would.

But ever since she was a little girl, Judy Hopps has had a dream of joining the ZPD, and her perserverence and faith shines through the entire duration of the movie, even when her own parents doubt her. 

Diversity & Differences

With complete understanding of this being a children’s movie, Pixar did a great job of handling this theme. Classified as predator or prey, the citizens of Zootopia are constantly stereotyped on not only this classification, but also by their species. 

Foxes are sly. Bunnies are cute. Sloths are slow. Yet the whole purpose of the film is to show that just because you’re different, doesn’t mean you don’t belong. 

Zootopia comes together and I think this speaks volume as to what we as a society need to start doing. Putting aside our differences and getting to know people before pulling out the fox repellent (ha…watch the movie.) 

Friendship

Would it be a Pixar movie if we didn’t become best friends forever?!

Probably not. 

But the value of friendship goes right alongside the previously mentioned themes. Even in the most unlikely circumstance, you may find a friend of a lifetime. The small details aren’t what’s important – the relationship can only be built off respect, trust and acceptance from both sides. 

No, I don’t think this was the best work Pixar has ever done. I will firmly stand by my beliefs that the themes of this movie were incorporated into the plot in a way that children and adults can understand. 

And in no way did the creators of this film end the movie with a completely perfect and happy society. Zootopia still has crime and there are still citizens that don’t get along, but there’s a better understanding of acceptance and if that’s the number one thing children walk away learning about from this movie, then I’d say Pixar conveyed a successful message. 

Set aside your differences people. Be like Zootipia – embrace the diversity of your friends and those around you and be a part of something bigger. 

Until Finding Dory, Pixar ❤