16/12/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | DEC 16, 2025

25 Zootopia 2 slithers into new territory Z OOTOPIA 2 is simply fun. It is bright, energetic, surprisingly layered and very much built for the o Nick, Judy return in energetic, surprisingly funny film made for all ages Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI MOVIE REVIEW 0 Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard

0 Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, Danny Trejo, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk PLOT 7 E-VALUE 8 ACTING 7

whole family. Kids will laugh at the slapstick, adults will catch the jokes flying over little heads and the film never forgets how to keep both groups entertained at the same time. Where the first movie explored the divide between predator and prey mammals, the sequel turns its lens to a new tension. This time it is mammals versus reptiles and amphibians – a social gap most general audiences probably never realised was missing from the original. The story leans into that absence and uses it to highlight social issues that feel relevant without becoming heavy-handed. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde return exactly the way fans want them. Judy is still eager to prove herself, sometimes to her own detriment, and Nick is still calm and laid-back in the face of everything. Their relationship gets more space to breathe here. The film digs deeper into the trust between them and shows how they have grown as partners. By the end, they are more open and honest, although their peers still underestimate them for reasons that echo the themes of the first film. The new characters are strong additions to the world. Pawbert Lyxnley (Andy Samberg), Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) and Mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton) all bring quirky personalities that fit right into Zootopia 2 ’s fast-paced charm. There are small cameos sprinkled throughout, including a blink-and you-miss-it Ratatouille gag and a koala voiced by Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, in the final stretch. The returning cast continues to shine, especially Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin who fall back

Nick (left) and Judy (right) meet Gary for their biggest case yet.

will not slow down for audiences. It is also surprisingly funny. Some jokes are obvious, others are quick and clever. The film balances the comedy with heartfelt moments and never tips over into anything too self-serious. Apart from Shakira’s new song, which feels like a rework of her old World Cup track, there is not much to complain about. The sequel also sets up a clear path for a third film. It hints at bigger ambitions and a wider world, and a post credit scene suggests the next chapter could take flight if Disney decides to go ahead. Overall, Zootopia 2 is a worthy follow-up. It respects the original, expands the world, deepens the bond between its leads and leaves you curious about where the story will go next. It is action-packed, heartfelt and genuinely enjoyable for any age group.

A concerned Nick running after a headstrong Judy.

into their dynamic with ease. The conspiracy at the centre of the plot is intriguing enough to keep older audience members hooked and

the younger ones engaged. It works as a nice change of pace from the first film, which leaned more on mystery and political tension. This sequel

moves as more of an Indiana Jones-esque action and adventure. There are chase scenes, fights, near disasters and a sense of energy that

Gary (Quan) trying to set things right and uncover the real history of Zootopia.

Nibbles (centre), a beaver and conspiracy theorist, who Nick (left) and Judy (right) must ally with to solve the mysterious history of Zootopia.

Disney’s animated blockbluster set to join US$1 billion box office club features returning characters Judy Hopps, a rabbit police officer voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and her fox partner Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman. that made the original a hit. Zootopia 2 opened strongly over the US Thanksgiving weekend, giving Hollywood a boost at the start of the critical holiday season. WALT Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2 is on track to surpass US$1 billion (RM4.1 billion) at the global box office, the company said, as the sequel continues its strong run in international markets.

The performance offers welcome relief for cinema operators hoping for packed venues through Christmas, traditionally the second-busiest movie-going period of the year. Global box office receipts have yet to return to the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. – Reuters

dominated the box office during its opening weekend, accounting for roughly 95% of all ticket sales nationwide. The original Zootopia also became China’s most popular foreign animated film when it was released in 2016.

The film’s runaway success has been fuelled by an extraordinary reception in China, where Zootopia 2

The duo embarks on a new adventure that blends humour and social themes, echoing the formula

The film, which revisits the bustling animal metropolis of Zootopia,