“Zootopia,” Disney’s latest animated feature, continues the studio’s creative streak of remarkable pictures. It’s a movie I didn’t expect to succeed with its premise of a city of animals acting like people. Sure, we see critters go through the predictable tropes of navigating a mundane office or driving cars, but who would have imagined “Zootopia” diving into human social problems, let alone excelling at them?

Any preconceived notions you may have about the film being some shallow cash grab with a bunch of cute cartoon animals can be thrown out the window, because “Zootopia” is quite the surprise. It’s certainly adorable, but not without being equally as smart, funny and insightful. With discrimination and political racism filling the lens of society, Disney has come at the perfect time with a film targeted at kids but mature in its own right. The goal of the movie is to teach children about inclusion, but more adults should tune in as well.

In a world where people never existed, animals have evolved to a metropolis lifestyle. Previously separated as predator and prey, all animals have outgrown their instincts and now coexist peacefully. But since they’re not all the same species, some biological limitations do make it difficult for some animals to follow their dreams.

Take Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), a cute little rabbit who is the newest member of the Zootopia Police Department. She pales in size to all the other officers who are giant beasts, but her underdog status makes her easy to root for. There’s actually a great size difference between most animals, leading to a lot of fun innovations in how the city actually functions.

Judy wants to prove that she has what it takes to be a real cop, so she dives into a missing otter case that goes deeper than she imagined. Along the way, she recruits the help of a con artist fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). The two animals fill in the buddy-cop formula and cliches we all know, but Goodwin and Bateman’s quick energy make it enjoyable to watch.

In terms of other Disney movies, “Zootopia” definitely feels more current than anything else they’ve done, both on the surface and in the message. The world of Zootopia is incredibly similar to ours, from pop culture references to brand names that are changed into animal puns. They sort of hit and miss all on their own, but it works in a similar vein to “Shrek.”

And like I said, the message is certainly of the moment, though timeless in general. Judy and Nick would be natural enemies, and a distance still exists between them because of their differences. Both characters have been pressured by their peers into being the predator or the prey, so it’s something wonderful when the film allows us to emphasize with each character’s shortcomings. It’s a lesson we’re all taught over and over again, but somehow continue to forget.

So without the impact, “Zootopia” probably wouldn’t be anything too extraordinary. But because the film excels where it really counts, who cares about an overly elaborate mystery or a few jokes that overstay their welcome? Like any good movie, it sticks with you long after the credits roll. In the animation, the fun and especially the point, it’s certainly something special.

**MOVE Magazine gives “Zootopia” four out of five stars.**

_Edited by Elana Williams | ewilliams@themaneater.com_