17 Thoughts I Had While Watching "Zootopia"

I went to see Zootopia when it first came out in theaters, and although I liked it, it apparently wasn't one of my favorites because I hadn't see it since then.  However, I remembered it being received really well, and everyone I talked to who had seen it gave it great reviews.  I think one of Zootopia's biggest attributes is the way it treats stereotypes and differences: not acting like they don't exist, but handling them with tact and resolving them in a way that helps everyone learn a lesson.

Upon re-watching the film, these sentiments only hit me harder now that I've been a part of this class. After analyzing films that mishandled sexism, racism, and other differences, it was a relief to finally see a movie get it right.  Below are 17 thoughts I had while watching Zootopia (some of which are on a more serious note than others):

1. I really hope that bunny is okay.  I know now, but the first time I watched the movie I was very, very afraid for it.

2. "If you don't try anything new, you'll never fail."  Wow, what great parents.  10/10.

3. Now for the typical protagonist-leaves-small-town trope, complete with parental waterworks.  It works every time, but I think Disney could be a little more creative.

4. This "Try Everything" song (is that what it's called?) is a large contradiction to her parents' advice at the beginning of the movie—it introduces the idea of suggesting a concept and then proving it wrong.

5. Poor little fox :( I know it's a scam, but it's still not right to refuse serving a fox just because he's a fox.  Again, this subdued concept of racism (does that word apply to these animals)?

6. Nick's scheme is very well planned out, albeit probably illegal.  Still, he seems to have this down.

7. "Sly fox, dumb bunny": I'm seeing some groundwork being laid for crushing stereotypes.

8. "Don't call me cute; get in the car."  Okay, this may be picky of me, but how exactly does Nick fit in that tiny little rabbit car?  Judy alone takes up half the space and she's small.

9.  Nick's backstory is so sad—stereotyping goes both ways, for bunnies and for foxes.

10. Of course everything creepy happens in an abandoned hospital.

11. "The only animals going savage are predators."  More stereotypes, apparently.  There sure is a lot of division in the city of Zootopia: big versus small animals, predators versus prey, bunnies versus foxes, etc.

12. Discussing people (animals?) who are "inherently" bad because of their DNA—more stereotypes to be revoked.  The movie is working a lot with making people aware of their prejudices, which is a big step for Disney.

13. Another Disney trope: at some point in the movie, the protagonist inevitably gives on her dream and returns to her small town, only to later realize the validity of those dreams.

14. "It's Weaselton, DukeWeaselton."  Do I see a Frozen reference?

15. It's always the unsuspected—in this case, the sheep.

16. In the Natural History Museum there is taxidermy of other animals—that seems a little backwards to me.  Who exactly are they stuffing?

17. "The more we try to understand each other, the more exceptional we each will be."  What a good message—and it perfectly captures the underlying lessons of this movie.

18. "Sly bunny, dumb fox."  Stereotypes have been revoked, and now it's just playful banter.  I like the contrast.