Khaberni - The new animated film "Zootopia 2" generated revenues of $33 million during the first 24 hours of its global release, depicting a strong comeback nine years after the first installment in 2016, reflecting significant public anticipation for this work.
The film, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, brings back the famous duo: the cop rabbit "Judy Hopps" and the cunning fox "Nick Wilde", who have become more mature and professional in this installment, yet in a comedic way similar to an "action duo" akin to movies like "Rush Hour," according to the "New York Post".
During the city's centennial celebrations, a new enemy appears: the snake Gary De Snike "voiced by actor Ke Huy Quan", who claims that reptiles, despite being stigmatized as dangerous, are not enemies and that they were behind the invention of advanced technology to control the city's climate.
An exceptional story
Reptiles in "Zootopia 2" are presented as a marginalized group relegated to isolated neighborhoods, even though they invented a central technology for managing the city's climate, however, a powerful cat family named "Linxsley" claims the credit for themselves and relegates the reptiles to what resembles a historical "ghetto".
The reaction to this injustice drives Nick and Judy on a journey through deserts and tundras and even a strange festival called "Burning Mammal", in an attempt to uncover the truth and restore rights to those who have been wronged.
The comedy is in place
One of the major strengths of "Zootopia 2" is its refined comedic sense made up of satirical scenes, jokes inspired by popular culture, and characters that seem to have stepped out of a comedic cartoon series like presenting a satirical version of the character "Hannibal Lecter" as a sheep, or the appearance of twin policemen "Zee-Bros", and the return of beloved characters like "Flash" and "Mr. Big".
However, the reviews were not without remarks, notably about the character "Nibbles Maplestick the beaver", a podcast host with a boisterous presence, some considered it exaggerated and might be annoying to some viewers, although it likely benefits the children's audience.
Additionally, the emotional tension between Judy and Nick, although adding a dramatic dimension, seemed "too much" to some, especially since the work is rated PG "parental guidance" which raises questions about the suitability of some details for children.
Commercial success
Despite some reservations, "Zootopia 2" remains an enjoyable experience that blends humor, romance, and dark comedy, achieving a slight balance between a social message and an entertainment message. The commercial success at the box office ($33 million in 24 hours) confirms that the audience is still thirsty for the "Zootopia" world even if this installment is considered less bold or deep than the first.
