In 2016, “Zootopia” was released not only with beautiful animation and a fun-filled movie, but with underlying metaphors and valuable meanings that touched up on cultural acceptances, corruption in politics, and racism. Though sequels are notorious for being subordinate to their predecessors, Zootopia 2 broke this stereotype. The movie garnered extremely high praise from critics and grossed a box office of a whopping 1.14 billion dollars, the highest grossing American film of the year. 

In an article from Variety, Peter Debruge applauds “Zootopia 2” on its deeper meaning. “These movies are comedies first and crime-film homages second, but it’s their tertiary value as social commentary that makes the franchise so indispensable: Behind the laughs are teachable moments…” 

The last “Zootopia” movie was similarly praised for shining light on police brutality, racial stereotypes, and sexism. Many viewers loved how the first “Zootopia” movie did not shy away from sharing these topics with younger audiences, especially because it is a lesson worth learning early on. 

There were many critics who recognized how “Zootopia” deals with racist stereotypes within the police force. However, some of them actually criticized this, saying that the movie is promoting the message that society can’t do anything about stereotypes and you just have to deal with the discrimination and bigotry that comes with them. 

Matt Zoller Seitz, a movie critic who writes for Roger Ebert Reviews, criticized this. “Discrimination is wrong, but stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason, and it’s not easy for members of a despised class to overcome the reasons why the majority despises them, so you gotta be patient.”

This means that on the surface, the message of Zootopia may seem glamorous. But if you think about it more deeply, the message can fall apart and invite perspectives that attack the message’s true intentions. 

However, even with most criticisms, movie critics generally praise Zootopia for its composition, animation, lighting, and overall art of the movie. Many reviews of Zootopia 2 recognize the genuine emotion that is weaved in with the plot and deeper messages that were written to resonate with the audience. 

Frank Sheck, a movie critic for “The Hollywood Reporter,” says, “This sequel to 2016’s smash hit Oscar-winning animated film proves more than worth the lengthy wait, knocking it out of the park with its dazzling visuals, sophisticated humor and doses of genuine emotion.” 

Overall, though some critics who are thinking too deeply may attack “Zootopia’s” message for stereotypes different species have for each other, that type of prejudice exists in real life and actually proves how realistic Zootopia is. Without a doubt, “Zootopia 2’s” main message is that all animals can live together in harmony. It centers on systemic oppression, identity, and issues of racism and prejudice, and that message is executed well. Along with the well-done composition, lighting, voice acting, and storyline, “Zootopia 2” has proved itself something worth the wait.