Animated family films come in all shapes and sizes. Some are funnier than others, some have more heart, while a few exist merely to provide advertisement for toys, games and assorted kid-meal trinkets. You know what I’m talking about.

Fortunately, Disney’s Zootopia, a fun cop caper set in an animal world, falls squarely into the first two categories. Granted, Disney knows how to spin a creative tale, or “tail” as the case may be, and that commitment to detail and passion for story are very much alive here -- assorted heartstrings and hilarious hijinks abound.

Why do we love animal-centric movies so much? My theory is that it’s the characters, which are often far more human than most of the people we know. Here's a look at who you'll meet in Disney’s Zootopia:

Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) runs the Z.P.D. and come on, it’s Idris Elba!

Mayor Lionheart (J.K. Simmons) is, you guessed it, the mayor of Zootopia. His mane is perfect.

Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a country bunny working as a police officer in the big city. She’s full of determination, focus and carrots.

Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) is a con artist with a conscience (eventually).

Fun fact, I actually had the good fortune to meet Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps at a press event way back in October. I think you’ll see that we really hit it off. We’re pretty close.

Yax (Tommy Chong) is mellow and insightful, with flowers in his hair, because Tommy Chong.

Mrs. Otterton (Octavia Spencer) has the case that may just be Judy Hopps’ big break.

Zootopia is a full-blown menagerie of wonderful characters and impressive talents, in theaters March 4.

All photos courtesy of Disney.