Zootopia - Writing Prompts

Zootopia (from Disney) has become one of my favorite movies lately, and not just because my son loves it and we've watched it over 300 times. But because it's clever, touches my heart and inspires me. I absolutely love Judy Hopps. Her naivety is relatable and her desire to change the world is not unlike my own. And Nick Wilde, well his situation and transformation is much like many young men I've met in my education journey. 

I love to analyze movies and find the deep nuances woven into the story by the writer and director. I want to extract all of the meaning and experience they intended for me. For this reason I believe films are a great opportunity to exercise our thinking muscles and write.  Especially in the 21st century where we have access to most movies in our own homes. Additionally, some of the harder things to observe in texts i.e. irony, metaphor, subtext, character change, etc. are easier to learn and understand in movies.  

Below are some prompts I've had fun constructing. I've engaged in conversation around each and I think they will offer you the same richness with your children. Try them and let me know what kind of discussion stirs and what kind of writing is generated. I would also love to see and hear what they write if you want to send me a pic [email protected]

Most of these can be used at any grade-level, the only difference will be the depth and quality of the response. But the thinking is good for all ages. 

1. Compare the characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. (Remember compare mean to address the similarities and differences) Consider the areas...

• Choices
• Attitudes
• Obstacles
• Fears
• Motives
• Contributions

2. How do both Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde change as a result of knowing each other? 

3. How would the story be different if  Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde were different animals?

4. Judy's father says, "That's the beauty of complacency. If you don't try anything new, you'll never fail." Explain what this means and the implications for one's life if they believe it. 

5. Frequently we mix up a “Working hypothesis” and a “Fact.” After the press conference Judy told Nick that she just “stated the facts of the case.”  Address her press conference statements below and discuss whether each is a “fact of the case,” or not and why.  

• They are all members of the predator family.
• It may have something to do with a biological component, something in their DNA.
• Thousands of years ago, predators survived through their aggressive hunting instincts.
• For whatever reason they seem to be reverting back to their primitive savage ways.

6. How did Judy's parents change from the beginning to the end, as a result of Judy's beliefs and pursuits?

7. An antagonist is more than "the bad guy." This character can reveal the depth and/or inner struggles of the protagonist. Compare Assistant Mayor Bellwether and Judy Hopps.  (Remember compare mean to address the similarities and differences) 

8. How did bullying shape Nick? What did it take to heal? 

9. Try to figure out the meaning of these terms in context of the movie 

• bullpen
• metermaid
• serum
• hustle
• mammal

10. Many claim this film is "clever." Identify and explain 2-3 ways we see this "cleverness."

11. Movies are meant to evoke an emotional response from it's audience and  reveal feelings and struggles perhaps we didn't even know we had. Select one part of the movie that moved you and

• Describe the specific scene
• Describe your emotional response
• Explore WHY you think that part made you feel what you felt. 

I hope you have as much fun as I do with this film. 

Jill