Thanksgiving rings of all sorts of traditions because of the diverse country in which we live. It’s a universal staple that families across the country will be sharing love and laughter with family and friends over a delicious meal. However, in my personal experiences with family, games and movies, like Zootopia, were perfectly coupled with the essence of togetherness, fellowship and fun.
That said, as Thanksgiving quickly approaches (in 2 days), the movie Zooptopia is on my mind. Since it was released in March 2016, it might be too late to rally some excitement around this movie. But, I couldn’t help but bring it to the surface again.
Why? Despite it’s adult friendly comedic relief and mature messages around racism, stereotyping, determination, embracing self/personal uniqueness, courage and teamwork that can possibly go over a toddler’s head, my son adores the movie. When Aaron can sit for an entire movie and remain focused and seated the entire time, it’s a clear indicator that it needs to become a part of our library. He has watched it at least 3 times and it produces the same results each time (Dear parents with toddlers: you know this is an absolute WIN!).
To top it off, I love this movie for the its comedic relief and mature messages. It’s a witty and clever story of a small bunny (Judy Hopps) from the countryside with ambitions to become a police officer (who are usually larger animals) in a large city. She let’s nothing and no none stop her. She only temporarily loses hope when she realizes that her ambition caused societal uproar and breaks the heart of someone she came to value as a friend.
In this movie, I appreciated the comedy, messages around the power of team work, the dynamics of what makes friendship, the story of courage and where acceptance of self and your personal uniqueness can take you.
Courtesy of “The Atlantic”
Messages such as, “The world can perceive you as small and unfit, but believing in yourself won’t fail you” or “Don’t let anyone (including the naysayers) or anything stand in the way of your dreams” jumped off the screen to the realms of my thoughts. At one point, Judy Hopps, the bunny says, “I don’t know when to quit.” That bunny has some serious spunk and fight within her. This movie seriously makes me smile.
There is also a not so direct message in Zootopia of what people should be thankful for in life (another WIN!):
- Friendship – Great ones uplift you, inspire you and defend you. Nick Wilde, Judy’s fox friend, comes to her rescue in front of her boss who was unfair to her.
- Family – It’s okay to rely on family. Despite her parents’ pessimistic mindset, Judy’s family was still always there for her.
- Your Individuality – It is the reason you will able to push through your goals. Judy embraced this. She did not mind breaking through the status quo and stereotypes. Be what makes you, you!
- Challenges – Challenges push us to improve, to be better and greater. Judy Hopps, the bunny faces a lot of opposition. Pushing through towards her goal brings some embarrassment, but she doesn’t give up, she maneuvers and re-strategizes.
- Laughter – It’s what makes life enjoyable. It is what keeps you focused on the present and where it may take you in the future. Judy shared many laughs with her friend Nick and together they defeated the “bad guy (or sheep in this case).”
Thanksgiving is historically known to be the day that pilgrims gave thanks for the harvest everything from the preceding year. Let’s be thankful for how relationships, challenges, individuality and laughter have contributed to our lives in this year. Also, let’s be examples to our children that we are thankful for the strength, courage and perseverance in our life’s journey.
If you haven’t seen Zootopia yet, I suggest you check it out.
If you have seen it, grab your Thanksgiving dessert and your copy of Zootopia and press play!
HAPPY TRAILS!
Wife to an amazing husband, mother to an exploring toddler and an MPA graduate aspiring to impact the world with encouragement in mothering and in social entrepreneurship.
2 Comments
Celeste
November 23, 2016 at 11:07 amI love love love this movie also! Nick is too young to pay any serious attention to it, but I plan on getting it on DVD when it comes out…at some point I’m sure he’ll be just as intrigued by it as Aaron is! 🙂
Normel Smith
December 5, 2016 at 3:09 pmit’s definitely a must have. can’t wait until Nick is running all over the place. haha