Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Film Strip: ‘Zootopia’ Amazes and ‘London Has Fallen’ Ups the Ante

L-R Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) meets with ( ) Idris Elba
L-R Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) meets with Chief Bogo  (Idris Elba).

“Zootopia” is destined to dethrone the ruler of the box office [“Deadpool”] for the last three weeks. Often wondered what the big deal was about “Zootopia”—and then I saw it, was amazed by it–and now I’m a believer.

Many times in later years when an animated film is released, and the question that begs to be answered is, “who exactly is this movie aimed at?” This is not the case with “Zootopia.” “Zootopia” will beguile any age group with its many messages and images and will stimulate a stream of positive consciousness.

Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) a rural bunny, wants to become the first rabbit police officer in the urban Zootopia, although her parents have misgivings. However, her father (Don Lake) tells her, “If you don’t try anything new, you’ll never fail.” Smart, with strking cinematograpy, “Zootopia” is well worth the price of admission.

“Zootopia” is directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush. Other voices in the film include Idris Elba, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Kristen Bell, Tommy “Tiny” Lester, Tommy Chong and Shakira.

Gerard Butler take down terrorist.
Gerard Butler takes  down terrorist.

“London Has Fallen” is the follow up to “Olympus Has Fallen” and ups the ante—terrorists want to snuff out the life of the U.S. President—on foreign soil. Although the element of novelty is no longer here, there is enough nail biting action to keep moviegoers glued to the screen. There is one shocking scene, but it is a spoiler, and you have to go see it for yourselves.

More importantly, when speaking about diversity, this film definitely gets it right. Unlike the director who made the bold statement at the Oscars about diversity but his last two major films did not star black actors, director Babak Najafi pulled out all the stops.

“London Has Fallen” stars Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhardt, Angela Basset, Morgan Freeman, Robert Forster, Melissa Leo, Ginny Holder, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, David Olawale Ayinde, Owen Davis and Colin Salmon as Chief Hazard. Salmon is Charles Robinson in three James Bond films and the Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) step dad Walter Steele the CW series “Arrow.”

“Zootopia” and “London Has Fallen” open March 4th.

Syndicated Entertainment journalist Marie Moore reports on film and TV from her New York City base. Contact her at [email protected]

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