Boasting a pitch perfect voice cast led by a terrific Ginnifer Goodwin as a righteous rural rabbit who becomes the first cotton-tailed police recruit in the mammal-centric city of "Zootopia," the 3-D caper expertly combines keen wit with a gentle, and very timely, message of inclusivity and empowerment.

The engaging result should easily appeal to all creatures great and small, giving this premium Walt Disney Animation Studios effort a paw up on spring break entertainment, not to mention the summer arrival of Universal's animated "The Secret Life of Pets."

Visually, the "Zootopia" canvas pops — with or without the 3-D glasses — thanks to a gorgeously vibrant color palette and whimsical architectural scales orchestrated by production designer David Goetz. His work is in keeping with an all-mammal parallel universe comprised of distinct microclimates like sunny Bunnyburrow, icy Tundratown and self-explanatory Little Rodentia.

Composer Michael Giacchino, meanwhile, in his first non-Pixar animated feature assignment, delivers a typically buoyant score, playfully tossing in music cues that pay affectionate homage to Bernard Herrmann and Nino Rota.

"Zootopia," a Disney release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for "some thematic elements, rude humor and action." Running time: 108 minutes.

MPAA definition of PG: Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.