The trailers for Disney’s newest film “Zootopia” are largely marketing it as a fun, cute kids movie. However, this movie is so much deeper and relevant than it would seem, with great social commentary that few films, especially animated films, accomplish.

What the movie is really about is racial stereotypes, gender stereotypes, drugs, how society operates under stages of fear and how that fear can be exploited by people in power. These themes and messages are extremely relevant in today’s world, and they are very important for people of all ages, not just kids, to see and appreciate.

On the exterior, “Zootopia” is about a young rabbit, played by Ginnifer Goodwin, who dreams of becoming a police officer. She undergoes many obstacles through her childhood and early adulthood, as no rabbit has ever become a police officer. She must overcome the doubt and reluctance of her peers and family to finally accomplish her dreams, where she reluctantly befriends a fox played by Jason Bateman. They begin an investigation of a small crime that leads them to a far greater and more important discovery.

The story is fantastic, and it always takes precedence over comedy and action, which is rare in animated movies. The action scenes in the movie are not there simply for spectacle. The action actually progresses the story and the characters, which is something that many live-action movies don’t accomplish. The comedy is great, too. The jokes for kids will be appreciated by older audiences as well, and as with many Disney movies, there are jokes for older audiences that may pass over the kids’ heads.

The voice acting is terrific, with a notable performance by Bateman as the fox and a fun appearance by Idris Elba as a stereotypical chief of police. The animation is gorgeous, and the themes and messages are the film’s highlights. It will teach kids, adults and teenagers to follow their dreams, understand their limitations and build a mutually understanding society. It is an accomplished film, not just a great animated movie, and it will stand as one of Disney’s best.

Runtime: 108 minutes

Rated: PG

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars