Nearly a decade after the Oscar-winning Zootopia delighted audiences of all ages with its remarkable animation, cute characters, and sharp social commentaries wrapped in an entertaining buddy-cop comedy, Disney brings back Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) in Zootopia 2.

We are brought back to the bustling and beautiful world of animals with a more polished look. The set pieces are bright and colorful which gives the sequel a certain type of confidence that seems to want to assure viewers during the first few minutes that it’s going to be a great movie.

Oh, and especially because the sloth is back!

And great it did turn out. The result is an entertaining and beautifully crafted sequel that delivers comfort and charm.

Set days after the events that transpired in the first film, Zootopia 2 gives us a glimpse of what life is like for the newly decorated police officers who are trying to navigate their way on the force, which isn’t exactly very welcoming.

Judy’s earnestness (which often leads to recklessness) and Nick’s nonchalance seem to be a formula for disaster and often result in problems that can jeopardize their already shaky position in the police force.

After taking the initiative to bust open an investigation, the two find themselves the cause of a massive destruction in the city which greatly angered their boss, Chief Bogo (Idris Elba), forcing him to send both to a partnership therapy session.

Incidentally, the chaos opened up another mystery for Judy when she stumbles upon a snakeskin. It has been decades since anyone has seen a snake in Zootopia, so Judy’s suspicions were on full alert.

Guided by her instincts and a few clues, Judy dragged Nick to crash the Zootenial Gala, a party to celebrate the city’s 100th founding anniversary–and where they are not allowed to go.

Expectedly, chaos ensues when a pit viper named Gary (Ke Huy Quan) tried to steal the heavily guarded journal (owned by the Lynxleys, a family of lynxes, who are descendants of Zootopia’s founder). Judy’s attempts to capture the snake soon took a drastic turn when she realizes the viper isn’t the enemy they all think he is. And this realization uncovers a series of events that would test everyone’s loyalties, perseverance, and grit.

Right from the get-go, the film will remind you why this world works so well. The animation is rich in texture and bustling with life; it’s got new districts that have distinct rhythms and clever background gags. Disney’s technical mastery is on full display here. Every alley, street, establishment and public square feels meticulously designed. On a purely visual level, Zootopia 2 is a feast.

But the heart of the movie still rests on the dynamic between Judy and Nick. Thankfully, that chemistry remains intact. The banter is easy, and their trust feels earned.

Their partnership continues to anchor the story emotionally. The voice performances slip back into these roles effortlessly, giving the film its most reliable emotional footing. New supporting characters add fresh energy to the mix, some of them genuinely fun scene-stealers, though not all are given the same depth they deserve.

Narratively, the sequel follows a familiar investigative structure. The mystery is serviceable and occasionally clever, but it rarely surprises. Where the first film boldly tackled prejudice and fear with real narrative bite, this second chapter somehow softens its thematic edge. Its social ideas are present but delivered in gentler strokes that will be easy for younger audiences to digest but may feel overly safe to older viewers hoping for something more daring.

The film juggles multiple plot threads and world-building detours, and while none are outright dull, a few feel like scenic routes taken more for spectacle than for storytelling purposes. By the time the final act arrives, the emotional and narrative payoffs land cleanly enough, but without quite the same punch as before.

Still, Zootopia 2 succeeds where it matters most for a family film. It is funny without being frantic, visually inventive without being overwhelming, and warm without resorting to sentimentality. Children will enjoy the colorful chaos and animal antics, while adults will find enough subtext and craftsmanship to stay engaged.

The bottom line is Zootopia 2 is a well-made, likable sequel that expands the world beautifully and leans heavily on the charm of its central duo. It may not be as bold or as resonant as its predecessor, but it remains an entertaining trip back into one of Disney’s most thoughtfully imagined universes.

A solid return visit, even if it doesn’t quite redefine the city skyline.