The key for any truly successful family film is one that both the kids and parents can enjoy. Too many of these animated movies are strictly aimed at kids while their poor parent must suffer through the ordeal. “Zootopia” is one movie that people of all ages will have a good time. There are jokes for kids and ones where only the parents will get.

As one successful Broadway show once sang, you gotta have heart. Character development is important for any movie and animated ones are no exception to that. “Zootopia” has characters that you do care about and more importantly, they care about each other. A animated movie that lets audiences connected with its characters, especially if they are animals, are certainly accomplished something special. Credit co-directors Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush for that.

“Zootopia” can also be seen in 3D. The biggest question about 3D movies these days is whether it is worth paying the extra money to see it in that format. In this case, yes. There are some good cityscape shots in the movie that make good use of the depth of field. We also get to know how big the world is from Judy’s perspective, something you may not entirely catch at a 3D viewing.

There are few new movies opening this weekend, but the clear choice for the entire family is “Zootopia.” It’s a lot of fun, some good laughs and even some turns along the way. It is rated PG for some thematic elements, rude humor and action.