Welcome to Zootopia!

Surprisingly, Zootopia is one of the best Disney animated films I have seen in awhile. It very much runs in the same category of Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero Six, and Bolt, that is to say, it's incredible. We were lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive viewing of Zootopia in 3D in Chicago by the lovely people at Disney Infinity.

At the event we checked in and received our swag bag! Not only did we receive a super awesome star stamp on our hands, but we got a Disney Infinity 3.0 character, Jody Hopps! Plus a new Captain America poster! We also had the honor of being some of the first people to see Zootopia and watch an exclusive preview for Disney Infinity 3.0 (which happened to be the same preview from earlier on Tuesday during the live event at noon).

Zootopia takes place on a world populated only by animals, well, only by mammals as far as I could tell. The movie opens with a cute intro explaining how this is and the magic and mechanics of this new world. Some of my very favorite and funny moments happen in this 10 minute sequence.

Then the movie takes a turn into a harsh reality that is Zootopia. We don't do spoilers here so I'll speak in general, but Zootopia covers some heavy hitting topics such as overcoming what people think you should be, succumbing to society, and racism. Clear and abundant throughout the movie, these topics never let up and never get sugar coated. Zootopia is an animated adult crime drama with animals. I think Zootopia is one of the most important animated films Disney has made in the last few years. It comes at a time where these topics are prevalent and need to be discussed. Also, no one will let Disney forget "The Song of the South," and I think this movie offers a wonderful contrast to how times and people have changed.

The humor is elevated, often hysterical, and I was enjoying every moment. Kids will enjoy the pretty colors and animals, but the adults will enjoy the overall message, puns and word play, and the witter banter of Judy and Nick.

There is a wonderful shout out to Jim Henson. I won't spoil it here but listen for it and you'll know!

Overall, Zootopia is an excellent movie. Filled with heart, controversial topics, and a sly sense of humor. It definitely deserves a place among the newer Disney family of movies and is more inline with a Pixar feature than Disney. I hope you all go see it and enjoy the world of Zootopia!

Also, go out and get Nick and Judy for Disney Infinity 3.0!