2016’s Oscar-winning Zootopia hit on the entertaining idea of teaming up rookie bunny cop Judy Hopps with cynical, street-smart con-fox Nick Wilde in an all-anthropomorphic-animal world to go chase bad guys. It was kinetic, cute and colorful for the kids, but with plenty of sight gags and throwaway jokes to amuse the parents they will drag along to the theater. 

Inevitably, there had to be a sequel. It’s Hollywood. And Disney. The good news this one is just as strong and even expands the concept’s scope. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard wisely didn’t try to recreate the first film’s odd-couple buddy vibe, but neither did they merely rest on their oars. 

Now Judy and Nick (voices by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman) are back with a new case that could be their most difficult and perilous. They’re accompanied by several amusing supporting characters, all carefully drawn and each given depth.

That the filmmakers managed to sneak in a high-concept message about diversity and inclusion and questioning who sets the rules is the kind of miracle the Mouse House should more often aim for. Almost makes up for the studio’s recent Moana and Frozen cash-grabs. Almost. Plenty of thrills, lots of heart, and just in time for Christmas. (108 min)