Series: Zootopia+
Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Leah Latham, Kristen Bell, Raymond S. Persi, Shakira, Don Lake, Alan Tudyk, Idris Elba, Bonnie Hunt, Jason Bateman
Director: Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy
Rating: 3.5 Moons
In 2016, Disney’s Zootopia stole our hearts with its fast-paced mammal metropolis and a suspenseful story to boot that even snagged an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. Now, Disney has dived deeper into the lives of some of the film’s most intriguing characters, including Fru Fru, the newly married arctic shrew, her father aka the Godfather Mr Big, Gazelle’s talented tiger dancers, Flash the sloth who is full of surprises and Judy Hopps’ parents, Stu and Bonnie with a short-form series titled Zootopia+.
Zootopia+ stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, Don Lake as Stu Hopps, Bonnie Hunt as Bonnie Hopps, Kristen Bell as Priscilla, Idris Elba as Bogo, Alan Tudyk as Duke Weaselton, Leah Latham as Fru Fru, Raymond S.Persi as Flash, Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde others as voice-over artists in this six-episode shorts of season one.
The six shorts delve deep into the lives of the folks of the mammal metropolis and give us a glimpse of their dreams, aspirations, trials and tribulations and even their origin stories. The first shot Hopp on Board starts off with Judy relocating to take over a new position. Her parents, Stu and Bonnie get into a scare when their little baby also boards the train without their knowledge. What follows is an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping train chase with enough stunts to keep you on the edge-of-your-seat and we get to see from where Judy gets her daredevilry and guts.
The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia takes us on Fru Fru’s wedding preparations and fallout and eventual reconciliation with cousin Tru Tru who arrives to assume the role of Shrew of Honour. The short is hilarious and funny but still manages to make a point that family is the most important thing in the world as the two shrews battle for spotlight during the wedding until a close call with a giant donut reveals what is really important in life. It gives a fitting The Real Housewives vibe.
Duke the Musical shows Alan Tudyk as Duke Weaselton, a small time crook who wanted to make it big in the world of crime but alas has become a nobody. He reevaluates his life, all in a song and contemplates on how to go from a small-time crook to Big Time!
Taking guests back in time to his days as Mr. Small, a new immigrant to Zootopia along with his grandma, he imparts the wisdom he gained then about the importance of friends, family and community.
On the other hand, Officer Clawhauser almost gets to realize his dream of becoming the background dancer for Gazelle along with Chief Officer Bogo. The short titled So You Think You Can Prance ends with a surprise yet hilarious twist.
Dinner Rush sees super server Sam urgently trying to finish her restaurant shift to make to make it to the once-in-a-lifetime Gazelle concert. However, her plans are in jeopardy because of her dinner guests- a sloth couple. The short brings back Raymond S Persi’s fan-favourite Flash, the sloth who is full of surprises and his girlfriend Priscilla (Kristen Bell). Flash not only gets engaged but also gets a speeding ticket by Judy and Nick just because he wanted to attend Gazelle’s concert.
The series is directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy who have done a swell job indeed in bringing us the six animated shorts with diverse storylines that do ultimately come together at the end in a cohesive whole. All in all, Disney’s Zootopia+ is an adorably cute animated series with six episodes in season one. It will definitely appeal to audiences who will have a blast looking at their favourite characters from the movie once again.
PeepingMoon.com gives Zootopia+, 3.5 Moons.
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