Film Preview: Zootopia (2016)

Page Revisions:

(June 14, 2015) Original
(January 3, 2016) New Trailers (#2 & #3) / New Posters (#1-#4) / Page Redesigned
(February 29, 2016) New Posters (#5-#19)

Release Date:

March 4, 2016

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends.”

Poster Rating: B / B / C+ / D / D+ (2) / D+ (9) / F / C+ / D+ (2)

SEE ALL POSTERS BELOW
Review: (#1) A bounteous collection of unique animals and plenty to distract a casual observer. The level of visual puns is limited, but it’s a satisfying design. (#2) This is more sparsely populated than the prior design, but has more interesting background details. It may not be as hefty as the first, but it’s no less compelling.

(#3) This French design looks more like a SWAT bunny preparing to joyously assault a French neighborhood. That’s not a visual I really want in a children’s film poster design. (#4) A teaser that’s forgettable and lacks more than a simplistic view of animal relations.

(#5 & #6) Presenting more of the animals featured in the film might seem like a good idea, and it is. However, the stark white background is unnecessary. (#7-#15 & #18-#19) These character posters are interesting in who they present, but the colors clash a bit while the action elements of the design seem tedious. (#16) It’s similar to the originals, but takes a pointedly sexist turn removing the hare’s professional attire for a more “feminine” look. (#17) Still more uninspired re-treads.

Trailer Rating: B+ / B- / B+

SEE ALL TRAILERS BELOW
Review: (#1) This is really only a teaser. It’s an admittedly cute teaser, but we’d expect nothing less from the likes of Disney. It doesn’t make the film look very interesting simply because we don’t know enough about it to form that kind of opinion.

(#2) As amusing as it is to have a scene of sloths working at the DMV, it’s the kind of scene that plays better within the context of the film rather than being an advertising tool that makes the film feel like it drags after you’ve already seen it once or twice.

(#3) Getting into the nuts and bolts of the plot can only help create interest in the film and this trailer has plenty of action, humor and societal criticism to make it fun and engaging. This is a satisfying effort.

Oscar Prospects:

Opening in March may not help, but Disney knows how to promote its films. A nomination is likely, but a win depends on whether the film is any good or not.