Thank you to the movies! (CREDIT (Clockwise from left): Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features;
Walt Disney Animation Studios/Screenshot; A24)

Zootopia 2

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Andy Samberg, Fortune Feimster, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Shakira, Quinta Brunson, Danny Trejo, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Jenny Slate

Directors: Jared Bush and Byron Howard

Running Time: 108 Minutes

Rating: PG

Release Date: November 26, 2025 (Theaters)

Hamnet

Starring: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, David Wilmot, Olivia Lynes, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Freya Hannan-Mills, Dainton Anderson, Elliot Baxter, Noah Jupe

Director: Chloé Zhao

Running Time: 126 Minutes

Rating: PG-13

Release Date: November 26, 2025 (Theaters)

Eternity

Starring: Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, John Early, Olga Merediz, Betty Buckley, Barry Primus

Director: David Freyne

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Rating: PG-13

Release Date: November 26, 2025 (Theaters)

And now, I’m going to discuss my reaction to three films that came out in time for Thanksgiving but that I didn’t get around to seeing until December. Nevertheless, I shall reveal what I am thankful for regarding each of them, because it’s important to practice gratitude throughout the year.

First up is Zootopia 2, which arrived more than 9 years after the first Zootopia, but I’m thankful that they took their time. I’m also eternally thankful for animal puns. And I’m thankful that Nick and Judy’s partnership was not beset by any overly unreasonable conflicts. And I’m HUGELY thankful for the spirit of collaboration acknowledged via the credit “A Film by Everyone at Disney Animation.”

Regarding Hamnet, I’m thankful that emotional vulnerability is alive and well and always an option. I’m also thankful for bird of prey actors. There should’ve been more of that hawk.

And finally, I spent some time in Eternity. Despite its post-death setting, it’s not really about the afterlife. It’s more about how this life we have on Earth can feel like an eternity, especially when we’re married, and how we should make a concerted effort to make that eternity fulfilling. So I’m thankful for the perspective it provided!

Grades:
Zootopia 2: 8 Bubs out of 10 Das
Hamnet: One (Basically Satisfying) Long Sigh
Eternity: Having Fun in the Waiting Room