We Bought a Zoo (2011) User Reviews (271)

Simple and Hopeful.

[jmeshearer · 8/10 · 23 December 2011]

This film, starring Matt Damon, was unequivocally everything I had hoped it would be. Upon viewing the trailer while waiting to watch The Muppets, there were tears in my eyes and my heart skipped a beat as I remembered I wasn't watching the film itself, just the preview.

The film came out yesterday and to my luck, my mother invited me to go and see it with her this evening. I was thrilled to see that the music throughout the film was performed by a favorite Icelandic musician, Jónsi, with a perfect selection of "Holocene" from Bon Iver's new album. It was little details such as these that kept me appreciating the film from start to finish.

The plot may have been at times predictable but they were predictions you wanted to happen; conflict you wanted to be resolved and rain you wish would stop. Coming into the theater already a Matt Damon fan I was interested to see how he was going to fill the widowed father role. A few things a noticed; Matt does look older, he is still as handsome as ever, and he should stick with a shorter haircut. Aside from my personal opinion, I think anyone leaving the theater could agree he played the roll wonderfully.

The warmhearted character of adorable Maggie Elizabeth Jones, melted my heart every time she was on the screen. Her character, "Rosie" was the seven year old whose dreams came true; her Dad moved them to a zoo. My favorite scene is when the Realtor tells Matt Damon's character, "Benjamin" that the house they wanted to buy was also a zoo. As Benjamin stood there dumbfounded, Rosie Jumped up and down as any seven year old would shouting "Yay!". Seriously, the cutest thing ever.

If the cast didn't win you over the animals did. Tigers, lions, bears, snakes, monkeys, owls, otters, peacocks, etc. The list goes on and on. Each personality portrayed in a relatable way as if you were on the team helping run the zoo itself.

If you and your family are wanting to go see a movie this holiday season, go and see We Bought A Zoo. It is the perfect film to tug at your heart strings, leave you with tears in your eyes, and hope in your heart.

Film Clips Don't Do This Movie Justice

[patsworld · 8/10 · 5 January 2012]

We Bought A Zoo is a heart-warming, fun movie. The casting is a good as you could wish for and if I had to choose, I'd pick this as my favorite Matt Damon film. For anyone who loves animals, and I have to confess I'm about head of the line as one of them, this is a marvelous picture with not only the people personalities shining forth, but so too the animals. In most cases, we all know that the brief film clips shown prior to the movie are supposed to be showing the best of the picture. In this case, that is far from the truth. I almost passed this delightful movie up because all I could think of was, if this is the best there is...I don't think so. I'm so glad I opted to see it in spite of my reservations. Who ever picked the preview clips should be fired...or retrained, perhaps, because what they went with most certainly didn't do this movie justice. Not even close. It's a really enjoyable movie and I'd recommend it to everyone.

Like the Animals, Love the People

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 11 December 2011]

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Cameron Crowe has finally emerged from his cocoon - 7 years after the abysmal Elizabethtown. Yes, he has had a couple of projects in that time, notably the Pearl Jam documentary, but he has avoided anything related to his dramatic film roots of which produced "Say Anything", "Jerry Maguire" and "Almost Famous". This time he delivers a feel good, family appropriate, sentimental crowd-pleaser that should play very well to the holiday crowd.

Please know I do not use "sentimental" as a derogatory term. Sure there are moments where the actions and dialogue seem contrived and manipulative, but some of the best crowd-pleasers throughout Hollywood history have these same traits. This film is based on a true story and uses Benjamin Mee's autobiographical book as the basic source material. The real Mee family and their zoo, are stationed in England, not southern California as Crowe presents them. What I can tell you is that this version of the Mee family and the zoo staff is interesting and entertaining, even if you just have to let go and allow yourself to be guided through.

Matt Damon plays Benjamin Mee and the story picks up after his wife dies. He soon quits his job and moves his two kids to the country so they can work through their grief and start fresh. His teenage son Dylan is played with blazing anger by the talented Colin Ford. The precocious 7 year old daughter is played by scene-stealer Maggie Elizabeth Jones. This family experiences the realities of struggling with their pain and difficulties in communicating.

As for the zoo, it is in major disrepair and in danger of closing if it doesn't pass its pending inspection. Benjamin works with the rag-tag staff, including head zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson), to bring the facility up to code and nurse the sick animals back to health. As the zoo is rehabbed, so are the individuals. No surprise there.

The main conflict in the story comes from the hard-headedness of Benjamin and Dylan, as they ignore their inability to communicate and connect as father and son. A couple of their scenes together are the best in the film for acting and realistic dialogue. At the same time, Kelly acts as a quasi-love interest for Benjamin, while Lily (Elle Fanning) uses puppy love to help Dylan through his misery. That sub-plot is where Crowe missed a real chance. Ms. Fanning is one of the top young actresses working today and her contributions here are limited to that luminescent smile.

The wild cast of supporting actors includes wise-cracking Thomas Haden Church as Benjamin's brother, JB Smoove as the Realtor, Peter Riegert as Mee's editor, Patrick Fugit (from Almost Famous) as the guy with a monkey on his shoulder, Angus Macfadyen as the colorful zoo maintenance man, and John Michael Higgins as the snooty zoo inspector who knowingly holds their future in his smarmy hand.

As always, Crowe uses music better than most any other director. This includes his use of score and soundtrack to compliment a scene or drive the setting and mood. What really makes this film work is Matt Damon. His character is the heart of the film and the soul of the family. His performance is strong enough to prevent the film from lapsing into pure sap and makes us care for him, his family and this zoo. Don't expect some cutting edge, independent sulk fest. Just accept the movie for what it is ... a feel good story delivered for the holidays.

Stop comparing to Jerry Maguire! This is a great family film.

[SoloHero5 · 7/10 · 1 January 2012]

We bought a zoo is a great movie to go see with the family. Damon flaunts his emotional acting abilities with great form but the stage stealer is young Maggie Elizebeth Jones playing Damon's seven year old daughter. Jones is an eccentric little girl who is bound to bring laughter and Aww's out of you. Elle Fanning does a great job as always; Tomas Haden Church plays his perfect role, and Scarlett Johansson levels things out very nicely.

If you want a lot of emotion with consistent laughter, We Bought a Zoo is a great Sunday afternoon choice. Bound to bring tears, smiles and laughter, with a great true story to back it up.

Zookeeper

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 5 December 2013]

We Bought a Zoo is based on true events. It is an adaptation of British journalist Benjamin Mee's autobiography who bought a zoo in Dartmoor, Great Britain.

The story is transplanted to the USA.

Cameron Crowe is a director who has his detractors and in some cases rightly so. Matt Damon is the grieving widower who makes the unusual decision to buy a house in the country with a run down zoo attached.

His young daughter is ecstatic about this, his teenage son less so. His brother thinks he is crazy and the staff at the zoo are suspicious of his motives and whether he will be able to stick around for the long run when things get tough.

Of course it is a tale of overcoming adversity. The zoo needs upgrading, he is bleeding his savings, there are some old animals and they need to pass the safety audit before it can open to the public.

There is also potential for some romance with Scarlett Johansson.

There is a lot of warmth in the story and the performances are heartfelt. It is also lazily predictable, you know where this is going and how its going to end with little room for surprises.

We Bought a Zoo is a nice heartwarming family drama starring Matt Damon and directed by Cameron Crowe

[tavm · 7/10 · 12 January 2012]

A heartwarming family drama was not something I expected from either Matt Damon or director Cameron Crowe but when I ended up watching this with my movie theatre-working friend today, that's what I got and to tell the truth, I actually liked what I saw. Whatever conflict arises in such a not-so-intense film mostly arises between that of Damon and his teenage son who hasn't completely gotten over the death of his mother. There's also some amusing scenes featuring that of the inspector played by John Michael Higgins. Oh, and Scarlett Johansson as the potential love interest was also pretty good. Really, all I'll say now is if you like this kind of thing, I highly recommend We Bought a Zoo.

Beautiful & Touching, Crowe does it again.

[wbhendrix-1 · 9/10 · 27 November 2011]

Cameron Crowe never fails to deliver hart warming drama-comedies that make you laugh, cry and keep you on the edge of your seat for duration of his films. For me personally, I never seem to agree with Crowe's casting taste (Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson never do much for me) but Cameron has a way with actors and a true vision for his story. He always seems to know exactly who can capture his characters and ultimately draw out your emotions that he's tugging at.

In We Bought a Zoo, there is a bit of a slow start and at one point I was worried Cameron had lowered his voice to appeal to a larger audience to please producers and critics alike (after his Critically-bombed but personal all time fav, Elizabethtown).

But let me tell you, pay your dues with the first half of this film because the second half will take you on a mesmerizing cinematic adventure you'll be heartbroken for more. Cameron ventures into a new family drama without compromising his voice, music taste or quality film making. And if you are still not a huge CC fan, the animals are sure to win you over. Their beautiful and natural moments on screen are as breath taking as they are tear-jerking.

Spend an amazing two hours with this film and there won't be a person in your household that won't agree that this film is one to remember. From a fan and living-room-critic, I give it two thumbs up :)

"We Bought a Zoo!"

[theinaniloquent · 7/10 · 8 May 2012]

This is the first film I've seen by Cameron Crowe. I've heard lots about it, news circulating that it was a great film by a unsuspecting director. There's not much to this prologue, except I became intrigued and wanted to see what would happen..

I really did like it. I loved how the plot was so simplistic and low- key, that nothing could really stop you from watching it with a heart. The first thing I really loved was the cast. We have Matt Damon (great actor, with great diversity) Scarlett Johansson (pretty actor that I've known and loved from Lost in Translation) and lots of others underrated actors. They all did a great job playing their parts, albeit some scenes coming across cheesy. And that reminds me, the style of the film.. It really doesn't want to be as complex as you think, and the acting isn't bad at all. People may glance at it and think it is, but I thought the acting contained lots of heart and soul. It takes a lot for that to happen. Everything else was done with a similar fashion, and the film is glossed over with some emotional aspects. And for a family film, it was really refreshing to see. And to keep this alongside the film, I'm not going to go into full details. The movie was simplistic, sweet, and hopeful. So will this review. I liked it, I'm sure you will too.

7/10.

In praise of earnestness

[holdenkara · 10/10 · 26 December 2011]

I am grateful that in this cynical world, there are still artists who are courageous enough not to run from earnestness, but to embrace it. Cameron Crowe has done just that with WE BOUGHT A ZOO. This is a beautiful movie, full of life - truthfully acted, beautifully shot and lovingly directed. I expected to cry (which I did, many times) but I didn't know that it would also be so funny with levity coming just when you need it. Matt Damon was brilliant as the heartbroken but hopeful father. And my only gripe about Thomas Haden Church is that there wasn't more of him! The kids were all brilliant -- not an ounce of self-consciousness to their acting, which is rare when it comes to child actors. And the final scene alone is worth the price of admission. Anyone willing to open his or her heart will fall in love with this movie like I did. Kudos to all involved.

Charming, but uneasy walk between "family film" and drama

[Bob-45 · 7/10 · 6 May 2012]

I could give "We bought a Zoo" my "7" rating based just on the performances of actresses Scarlett Johansson, Maggie Elizabeth Jones and Elle Fanning. Until know, I've found the voluptuous Jahansson surprisingly resistible. However, here adorned with unattractive clothing concealing her more notable features, Johannson resorts to facial expressions and real acting to win appeal and it works. Maggie Elizabeth Jones delivers the most memorable performance by a seven year old girl since Drew Barrymore gave us "Gertie" in "E.T.". Director Cameron Crowe must have recognized this, given the "E.T." homage, when he has Jones buried among the stuffed animals. Finally, Elle Fanning's ethereal beauty of both body and spirit is the first to match Elizabeth Taylor's "Velvet Brown" in nearly 70 years.

Given all this, "We Bought a Zoo" walks a tightrope of drama, farce and cloying family fare and frequently does so unsteadily. I could imagine small children squirming at the length and pacing, parents cringing at the profanity and graphic art by the emotionally disturbed son and virtually everyone touched, but puzzled by the ending; which, while the movie's most touching scene, seems somehow out of place, even though it makes a valid point within the context of the film's theme. Given these problems, I cannot give "We Bought a Zoo" either an unqualified recommendation or a higher rating than a strong "7," but that certainly is enough.

A wonderful family movie that is full of heart and appeals to all ages. A must see family movie. I easily say its an A.

[cosmo_tiger · 9/10 · 31 March 2012]

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." Benjamin Mee's (Damon) life is starting to crumble. His wife has died, his son is expelled from school and he quit his job. In hopes to start a new life they decide to move and find the perfect house. Then they realize that it's a zoo. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical going in because I thought that it would be a good movie but really cheesy. I really like Cameron Crowe though so I expected it to be good from that. I have to admit that this was one of the best family movies that I have seen in a long time. The movie had enormous heart, depth and tackled real world issues while still appealing to all ages. The writing and the acting were great and the movie absolutely won me over a half hour in. I highly recommend this one. Overall, this is a must see for families and is one to buy so you can watch over and over. I give it an A.

Very nice film for the genre. All children and adults welcome.

[DeadHeadCycler · 7/10 · 26 April 2012]

Rating this film, as I do most any film I view, is based on the genre and the audience that it was targeted. Of course the film is a bit too young for me at 50+/- so I expected a light film and few upsetting moments to the characters.

Yes there are moral themes but, they couldn't offend anyone, again, it is this type of film; no conflict and a youthful cast that leads it to qualify for a "Family Film".

I knew what to expect going in and was not disappointed in any way.

If you happen to be a mature adult and count your pennies, maybe try another film, though it is a nice film.

Wanted to like it... but felt totally formulaic

[DesterWallaboo · 4/10 · 22 March 2012]

Wasn't able to suspend my disbelief with this film. It had all the elements of a total formula film. The troubled, misunderstood teenage boy. The starry-eyed little girl. The flashbacks of mom. Some of the conversations regarding mom before she died, etc. The snakes in the crate was poorly executed IMHO. Ever seen a snake escape from a cage? They don't generally go lay out on the front lawn. Let alone hundreds of snakes. They all just happened to be lounging on the front lawn? Kind of silly. Production values were high, as would be expected in a high-budget film. But overall it just didn't flip my switch. Which is very unfortunate, as I really wanted to like this film.

well-made nothing-new feel-good movie

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 18 August 2013]

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is still struggling with the loss of his wife. His son Dylan has been expeled from school. He decides to move his family. His daughter Rosie likes one house but it comes with a zoo. His brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church) does not approve of the purchase. Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson) is the head zookeeper. Her cousin Lily Miska (Elle Fanning) falls for Dylan.

Cameron Crowe wrote/directed a functional traditional by-the-book feel-good movie. Thankfully, he's a pro and he's good at what he does because this is not exceptional or original. It's just good work. Same goes for Matt Damon and everybody in the film. The little girl is super cute. The boy is a grumpy teen. Scarlett is way too hot to be a zoo-nerd. Elle Fanning is a down to earth sweetie. All the cliché are here including an evil usurper and a fight to overcome great obstacles.

It may be a disappointment for those who pine for something special from Cameron Crowe. The problem is that there's only so many personal stories. I doubt Cameron ever bought a zoo or run anything like a zoo. This movie just doesn't have the personal touch, and it feels like a well written sitcom.

Well-made using the best actors in the biz, but here's why it didn't work for me

[rooprect · 18 February 2019]

Not just the big names Matt Damon & Scarlett Johansson, but this film features a favorite actor of mine Thomas Hayden Church (best known from the sitcom "Wings", but you gotta check out his brilliant deadpan performance in the dark comedy-murder-mystery "Don McKay"), making me think it would be an instant hit with me. Add the talents of director Cameron Crowe ("Jerry Maguire" and, hands down, the best 20-something romcom "Singles"), and also add the fact that I love animals more than life itself, and you'd think this movie couldn't fail. Somehow it did, and here's why...

In its efforts to straddle the genres of family film, adult comedy, and deep character drama, it seemed to lose its identity completely. Billed most prominently as a family film, its presentation certainly started off too heavy, dwelling on the complex pain of Matt Damon's character trying to get over a family tragedy whilst single handedly raising 2 young children, one of whom is a disturbed boy who draws violent pictures and keeps getting kicked out of schools. That sentence is a mouthful, isn't it? It sure is, and certainly the film gets off to bizarre start by spending 30 minutes in this subdued, dark theme.

At the same time, it introduces some humor and levity, but to me that was unconvincing. Close up shots of the little girl doing cute things like making a pbj sandwich and cheerfully helping her father throw out old clothes aren't enough to offset the dark, brooding mood. Actually I would've loved if the film had mostly stayed in this zone, because in itself it is very interesting to the adult crowd. But then to fulfill the "family movie" audiences, it abruptly shifts into wacky and somewhat predictable Disney territory once they buy the zoo.

Again, I have nothing against wacky predictable Disney movies. It was just jarring to have the gears shifted on me. I haven't researched the actual writing and production of this film, but I would bet every last dime that the executive producers (financeers) were constantly interrupting the natural flow of filmmaking in order to "keep it family friendly". The result seemed to be a mostly identityless cross-genre compromise.

Highlights: I LOVED Thomas Hayden Church's wry, cynical humor. He was the glue that kept things together for me, through his deadpan commentary on the state of things. Matt Damon himself did a great job of acting, but I think his performance was much more suited for a heavy drama.

I may give this film another go sometime, now that I have a better idea how to approach it. Similarly, if you've read this far, you'll have an idea of what to expect and maybe you'll enjoy the film as a whole. Either way, it's not a bad film; it just didn't live up to the high expectations that these great professionals should be measured against.

Not everyone, I suppose, will buy into this as a worthwhile film but I thought it was very good

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 1 February 2012]

Benjamin (Matt Damon) has recently become a widower father to this two children, Dylan and Rosie. Its a struggle, as everyone is still grieving the loss of their family member and learning to adjust. Teenage Dylan, especially, is troubled, as he draws creepy pictures and acts out in school. All too soon, he is expelled. Therefore, Benjamin decides, over the objections of his accountant brother, Duncan (Thomas Haden Church) to buy a home on the very outskirts of the Los Angeles area. Rosie loves the house at first site and so does Benjamin. The trouble is, however, that the large property is very unique. It has a small zoo on the premises! Woweee. Yes, there's lions and tigers and one big Grizzly bear, among other animals. The small staff includes head zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johanssen) and her teen niece, Lily (Elle Fanning). Since Benjamin knows nothing about operating a zoo, there is much to learn and many bills to pay. Also, although Rosie is happily residing in the new digs, Dylan is grouchier than ever, for none of his friends bother to come and visit him and he doesn't seem to want to begin a new friendship with Lily. As money problems, animal health problems, staff problems, and kid problems pile up one by one, will Benjamin rue the day "We Bought a Zoo"? This is a lovely film for fans who don't need explosions or car chases to entertain them. Its a sweet, funny story, based on fact, and its beautifully shot. In addition, the cast is great, playing very genuine and flawed characters. Damon does a nice dad while Johanssen drops a bit of glam to play an outdoorsy type, with nice results. Church, especially, steals scenes easily while the child actors steal hearts just as smoothly. Then, too, animal lovers will delight in the various creatures and their antics, although a few tears may fall as well. If this all sounds like good news to you, then, what else? Go buy a ticket for a good "buy" in family viewing.

For the adults it is more complex than a lot of light family entertainment and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much

[Likes_Ninjas90 · 7/10 · 19 December 2011]

Benjamin (Matt Damon) is a single parent and a writer, looking after his teenage son Dylan (Colin Ford) and his small daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones). Following the death of their mother the kids have not been coping particularly well. Dylan is regularly distracted by his angry drawings and is expelled from school for stealing. Benjamin is urged by his older brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church), an accountant, to start living his life again. In his desperation to turn the lives of his kids and himself around, Benjamin begins house hunting. He visits a property and immediately holds an attachment to it. What he discovers is that the property is actually a struggling zone. Seeing how attracted Rosie is to the land herself, Benjamin becomes the new owner. With the help of a number of workers, including Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) and her niece Lily (Elle Fanning), Benjamin looks to use his own finances to reopen the zoo. Yet the tension with his son, who has been extremely reluctant about moving, still remains.

You would have to be some kind of scrooge to dislike this movie. It is safe, entirely predictable and sugary but then again it's not really for you. It is for the families on Boxing Day too smart to involve themselves with the horses of war. Colour me surprised, and this is really the film's only surprise, but here is a family movie that doesn't rely on obvious humour and idiotic slapstick comedy. It's a true story, transported from the South West of England in real life to America for the film, and anyone who isn't a cynic is welcome to this. For the adults it is more complex than a lot of light family entertainment and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much. This apparent complexity stems from Matt Damon's amusing and soulful performance. This guy has matured so much in the last few years, separating himself from a still-Bourne action star, into an extremely versatile actor. He's playing a genuinely nice character here, who is in equal measure, frustrated and desperate to help his family. This comes through a lot of the humour and gentle- nudging in the film, as he tries and generally fails to blend in, embarrassing himself because he is out of comfort zone. He's genuine funny and brings so much feeling to this character that he somehow makes you understand why he was so impulsive in the first place. Although many of the film's conflicts are resolved too easily, Benjamin's isolation from his wife and his search for renewal is, for the most part, sympathetic and touching. I thought his chemistry with Elizabeth Jones was just about perfect too. Some of the best scenes in the film are with them alone because they have such a warm, inseparable relationship. She's just an adorable little actress, with just the right amount of input. Some child stars overplay their hand. You notice this kid for the right reasons. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of Duncan too, someone who has been adventurous himself but was left unsatisfied and doesn't want his brother to fall into the same trap. His relationship with Benjamin, which has its share of funny moments too, makes sense. For small children this is a visually warm film, with so many different animals that you can forgive the omission of a petting zone. I think the message of this film is also refreshing. Some of the dialogue is sugar- coated too thickly with lines like, 'The secret to talking is to listen'. Yet the idea of taking a risk, or as the film puts it, 'Twenty- seconds of courage', instead of the usual balderdash about being yourself, feels refreshing and anew. If you're choosing between this and the Chipmunks these holidays just remember which film has a chimp in a zookeeper uniform.

A lot of heart and humanity makes this a delightful, inspiring and poignant autobiographical tale notable too for a peerless lead act by Matt Damon

[moviexclusive · 8/10 · 20 December 2011]

You can't get more obvious what your film is about with a title like 'We Bought a Zoo', but fortunately director Cameron Crowe's adaptation of British journalist Benjamin Mee's autobiography possesses much more subtlety and nuance than what its title would suggest. The story of a grieving widower who makes the unusual decision to buy a rural property whose 18 acres includes the Rosemoor Animal Park, it is also Crowe's first feature since his 2005 flop 'Elizabethtown' and the feel-good family movie represents a welcome return to form for the talented filmmaker behind such classics like 'Say Anything' and 'Jerry Maguire'.

Working off a script by 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Morning Glory's' Aline Brosh McKenna, Crowe grounds the high-concept tale in a heart- warming story about a lonely widower trying to overcome his grief for his bereaved wife while attempting to reconnect with his teenage son Dylan (Colin Ford) and young daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones). Crowe is better than to take the easy route of mawkish sentimentality; instead, there is genuine humanity and optimism in his storytelling, complemented by some outstanding performances that he coaxes from an ensemble cast- in particular his lead actor Matt Damon.

Though the 'Bourne' trilogy has cemented his reputation as a thinking man's action star, Damon has been and still is a strong dramatic actor. The astute actor confidently matches the emotional beats that Crowe chooses for his character every step of the way, from sanguineness at a change of scenery early on to dismay later on when one thing after another goes awry. His is a heartfelt performance that packs a powerful emotional wallop in his understated delivery of a father struggling to do it right by his children- and nowhere is this more evident than in a powerful scene where Benjamin and Dylan address their fractured relationship head-on which is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.

The conviction that Damon brings to his role is a huge reason why the film achieves its intended poignancy. A scene where his character finally overcomes his fear of looking at past photographs of his wife and their happy days together as a family is simple yet moving- and appropriately filmed in close-ups; while the film's last scene where he reminisces his first encounter with his deceased wife to his children also works brilliantly thanks to Damon at his earnest best. He also shares great chemistry with each of his co-stars- whether Scarlett Johannson's perceptive zookeeper Kelly, or Thomas Haden Church's wry older brother Duncan.

Both Johannson and Church are also individually outstanding in their supporting roles, alongside other equally incomparable veterans like Angus MacFadyen as the groundskeeper with a longstanding grudge for park inspector Walter Ferris (John Michael Higgins) and Patrick Fugit (who played Crowe's alter ego in 'Almost Famous') as one of the zoo staffers with a capuchin monkey perpetually perched on his shoulders. Crowe has also assembled an impressive teenage cast- Ford brings a raw edge to his character's anger, counterbalanced perfectly by the ebullient Elle Fanning as Kelly's cousin- as well as an impossibly adorable Maggie Elizabeth Jones sure to melt your heart.

Aided by an outstanding cast, Crowe drives the narrative along with a sure confident hand. Alongside the running themes of grief and parenthood are well-inserted vignettes of Benjamin and his crew's obstacles at getting the zoo up to inspection standards in time for a grand reopening on the seventh seventh (or the seventh of July)- among them the escape of the zoo's 650-pound grizzly bear Buster, the fate of the zoo's 17-year-old ailing tiger Spar and of course Benjamin's impending bankruptcy (that we admit is over all too soon by a dues ex machina). Still, there is genuine feeling in every scene, and Crowe's choice of music (a mix of oldies with more contemporary tunes) as well as Jónsi's (of Icelandic cult band Sigur Rós) eclectic score works perfectly in complementing the mood of the film.

And even though it's tinged with sadness, the tone of the film is never depressing- Crowe making it sure that the film steers clear of both over-dramatic as well as melodramatic moments. There's hope and affirmation abound in this inspirational tale, and just because its message of acceptance and reconciliation may sound familiar doesn't mean it is less authentic or touching for that matter. It wears its heart on its sleeve, but thanks to Crowe's deft hand as well as Damon's heartfelt performance, even the cynical will find themselves moved.

• www.moviexclusive.com

Crowe made a movie about a zoo

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 8 May 2013]

Cameron Crowe is a good director. Even a ridiculous plot like the one we get served here, is handled with great care. Of course he knows that you have to make it as light as possible and make fun of yourself too. Matt Damon is a good choice as a main actor. I like Scarlett too, but she's too obvious and the chemistry isn't perfect. It does build throughout the movie and she also spells out why she doesn't live another life, but it's all too shallow.

There is also a scene, where Scarlett does a really good speech with a question towards Matt Damons character. Unfortunately the scene is not being resolved properly. Mood changes are a bit too sudden too and the story is filled with cliché. Nonetheless, the movie has a lot of heart and it's obvious that the actors had a lot of fun making it. A decent little movie, that will spark more with certain people than others. It's fun, it's light, if that floats your boat, go ahead and watch it

Why Not?!

[Ramascreen · 9/10 · 24 December 2011]

-- www.Ramascreen.com --

And the 2011 most feel-good movie goes to WE BOUGHT A ZOO. It's one of the most heartwarming, delightful, pleasant family films you'll see this Holiday season. It's also an excellent grief-themed movie. Great ensemble cast, across the board. This is much lighter than what we usually expect from Cameron Crowe who brought us Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, and Vanilla Sky, but after leaving us with the meditational Elizabethtown, which I didn't enjoy very much, and then 6 years hiatus, WE BOUGHT A ZOO is a very sweet, very nice comeback, a breath of fresh air…

What I enjoy about Crowe's movies is that there's always something personable about them, and it's no different with WE BOUGHT A ZOO. This film is not preachy, it doesn't hit you like a ton of bricks, it doesn't drag, it doesn't get too sentimental either. It's tender yet firm, a bit predictable yet entertaining. It's one of those movies that make anything seem possible, somewhat of an underdog story, the kind that's generally liked, it's a good way for Crowe to tell the world that he's still in the game, without having to alienate his old fans, while embracing some new ones. Be glad that this is not a talking animal movie. The animals in WE BOUGHT A ZOO serve as a way to challenge the humans on their road to healing and triumph.

Matt Damon is a fantastic actor because he can be action man in one movie and he can be your next door regular neighbor joe schmoe in another. As the single dad, Benjamin Mee, Damon channels a certain vulnerability that comes with fatherhood. And Damon shows the sorrow and exhaustion of a newly single parent. I think it's great to see Scarlett Johansson utilizing more than just her good looks. She shows some range that we remember from Lost In Translation, Girl With A Pearl Earring and The Horse Whisperer. Johansson is not believable as a zookeeper, I mean, let's face it,.. if you were to name someone who handles a zoo or cleans animal crap for a living, Johansson would probably the last person on your list, but she seems self-composed, which allows her character to be Mee's listening ear. Outstanding work by the teens in this film, Colin Ford who plays Mee's angry son, Dylan and Elle Fanning who plays the socially awkward Elle Fanning. Their characters embody stereotypical teens and their usual problems with parents and also with peers their age. Ford and Fanning are actors who are going to rock Hollywood someday, you just wait and see.

Some things don't work for me, although I admit Maggie Elizabeth Jones who plays the little daughter Rosie is absolutely adorable, I think the film plays out her cuteness way too often, way too much. And I think it's sad that Patrick Fugit who was practically the star of Crowe's 2000 Oscar worthy movie, Almost Famous, doesn't get to have a substantial role in this film. All he mostly does is stand there in the background with a monkey on his back, how sad. Aside from the zoo aspect, the story itself, in its core, is nothing unique but that doesn't necessarily mean a bad thing. It's about difficulties of moving on. The loss of his wife, the mother of his children, leaves a mark that can't easily be replaced by the appeal an unconventional new home. But as the film suggests, sometimes plans change, and all of a sudden it's not about you anymore. And it's not a Crowe movie without such memorable lines like 'Show me the money' and 'you had me at hello', WE BOUGHT A ZOO has a hopeful message of taking chances and gambling on life through 20 seconds of insane courage, loving people, and adventurous, unadulterated joy. And if you're still asking why you should watch this movie, just say to yourself.. why not?!

-- www.Ramascreen.com --

New Zoo Review

[skullislandsurferdotcom · 7/10 · 27 December 2011]

Here's a far-fetched premise remarkably based on a true story which includes a good cast, great tunes (including Bob Dylan), and loads of the usual sunny optimism ala director Cameron Crowe to make even the biggest flaws not matter.

Matt Damon, six months after losing his wife, takes his two children – a sweet little girl and a brooding teenage boy – to find a new house in a new town. Turns out their dream home is on the property of... a zoo! Most of the film deals with the restoration and coping with the sporadic obstacles including an uptight inspector who could shut everything down; an aged sick tiger; a dangerous bear; and worst of all, dwindling funds.

Scarlett Johansson is a nice distraction, serving more than the obvious love-interest; as chief of operations and the only real expert on board, she's the one character who keeps it all moving. It's fun seeing the zoo morph from a shamble to the real thing, but overlong scenes dealing with the teenage son – too deep and honest to be realistic – ruins the overall flow... As do moments when the little girl tries way too hard to win the cutie pie of the year award.

But with all the people and animals on board, it's really Damon's solo venture: In dealing with the memory of his wife while battling constant snags that could keep his dreams from coming true, he's a down-home protagonist to not only care about, but root for.

For More Reviews: www.cultfilmfreaks.com

An Inspiring Family Film

[alienator345 · 8/10 · 3 January 2012]

This holiday season brought audiences several great movie options to see. Out of all of them, earlier today I believe I shave seen my favorite. Not War Horse, Sherlock Holmes, Tintin, Mission Impossible, or Alvin and the Chipmunks. The winner is We Bought a Zoo. Now to be fair, I haven't seen Mission Impossible 4, but despite all the great things I've heard about it, I don't think it will strike a chord with me like We Bought a Zoo did. It is such an inspirational story with a powerful message. And it gets quite emotional in several spots. Now I'm not an emotional person typically and I've never actually cried in a movie, but this movie almost broke me. My mom, who cries a lot during movies, certainly was crying in a few spots, so its a tearjerker.

We Bought a Zoo is based on a true story. Specifically the memoir of Benjamin Mee, which is his story of, as you can guess, him buying a Zoo. There are some noticeable differences in the movie and in the real life story as I have looked at it afterwards, but those changes were adapted only after the approval of Benjamin Mee himself, who still owns and lives in the Zoo he purchased. In the movie, Benjamin, played by Matt Damon, is going through some serious family troubles. Namely, his wife the he dearly loved has just recently passed away which has made life for his young family really difficult emotionally, especially for him and his teenage son. Seeking to get away from life a bit, he decides that he wants to move and falls in love with a certain country house some 9 miles outside town. Before purchasing it, he quickly learns that it is a somewhat broken down and struggling Zoo. Despite his background as an adventurous person, he has no knowledge of Zoology. However, he decides to take on the task to help renovate and re-open the struggling Zoo. With that said, yes it is a story about a Zoo, but telling a story of how a man renovated a Zoo is not the point of this movie. It is a story of courage. A story about moving forward in life despite the difficult times. Lastly it's a story about maintaining good relationships with your family and those around you. There are a few taglines in the movie that really just jumped out at me that I will remember and use in my own personal life to help me.

Now We Bought a Zoo isn't without its flaws. There are times when I was slightly bored with it and times where it seemed to move slow. I wasn't a big fan of some of the acting by several of the more minor characters. But overall it was a very well done film. The strongest part of the movie was certainly Matt Damon. He has become one of my favorite actors recently and in this he gives a very good performance. If the Academy Awards were up to me, I would give him the Oscar for best Actor after this performance. I hope he at least gets nominated because he deserves it. The cast around him was also superb for the most part. Scarlett Johansson did a great job in the lead female performance, that being Kelly the lead Zookeeper. Elle Fanning did a great job acting as one of the younger crew members of the Zoo. Lastly, Benjamin's two kids ages 14 and 7, were done quite well. His 14 year old son Dylan, played by Colin Ford, even looked and acted like a young Matt Damon. The score in this movie was absolutely beautiful. It really made the movie. In my opinion it is one of the best scores of the year. The cinematography was also great. I especially loved the animal shots in the movie.

In conclusion, We Bought a Zoo is no action-packed, high suspense adventure movie. If you are looking for that, go check out Mission Impossible or Sherlock Holmes. What it is is an inspirational family movie that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend you check it out. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Not amazing, but good

[Treyroo · 7/10 · 24 November 2012]

"Life is an adventure". A cliché if ever there was one. But for some people, it just so happens to be true. And Matt Damon is portraying one such person in this latest family effort from acclaimed writer/director Cameron Crowe.

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is an adventure columnist for a struggling newspaper, if that's not redundant, and father of two children. His wife recently passed away due to illness leaving him to raise those children on his own. His daughter Rosie (played by Maggie Elizabeth Jones) is regularly losing sleep thanks to the hard-partying college students in the house next door. His son Dylan (played by Colin Ford) is a fourteen year-old artist who's developed a taste for the macabre of late and who has recently been expelled from school. Rather than keep his job at the paper, which he would've held onto despite their financial problems thanks to his editor's sympathy, Mee decides to sell his home and find more picturesque surroundings for him and his family. After rejecting several houses for being dull or dime-a-dozen, they find a home situated on the grounds of a struggling zoo and embark on their greatest adventure yet.

It's cutesy, I'm not denying that. But while Zookeeper had nothing else going for it, this is entertaining and interesting and I enjoyed it very much thanks to Crowe's screenplay and direction, a typically interesting effort from Damon and an excellent supporting cast in Elle Fanning, Thomas Hayden Church and Scarlett Johansson.

It is a feel good movie and nothing else

[Plumsec · 2/10 · 12 February 2012]

After seeing the rating on here; I was mildly excited to see this movie in the theater. After about 5 minutes, I saw what kind of movie this was and was disappointed in the IMDb community. Don't get me wrong, This is a good family movie to take the kids, But it is a straightforward Hollywood feel good movie and thats it.

You can call where everything is going in the first 5 minutes. Everything wrong is presented to you, and everything is fixed by the end. No hiccups. Bloody drawing? The child must be so troubled. You can guess what kind of drawing they were in the end. No Love interest, Guess what? that changes to. No money? O what do you know, Your dead wife left you 80k, isn't that nice?

It literally goes out of its way to make it feel so good. Snakes escape the night before and they all gather around the front of the house. The little girl talks like a 20 year old for the most part, and has perfect handwriting, yet her J is backwards. Isn't that cute? I would continue but you see where this is going.

It gets worse the more I think about it. I will never watch this movie again.

This zoo smells.

[JohnDeSando · 23 December 2011]

Something smelly there is about the zoo in We Bought a Zoo, and it's not the animals. It's the script that requires many tissues for audience tears and apparently doesn't much care that it ranks as the sappiest film of 2011.

Since this year's Zookeeper is also one of the worst of 2011, but not sappiest, it would be difficult not to call a draw with the exception that new zoo owner Benjamin Mee in We Bought is played with some grace by Matt Damon and Zookeeper Kevin James not so much.

It's also difficult to believe that fine actress Scarlet Johansson signed up to play Kelly Foster, the manager of the zoo. Her main duty is to smile and fall for Benjamin, as does her niece, Lily (Elle Fanning), for Benjamin's son, Dylan (Colin Ford). Both ladies are lost in their smiles and unessential roles. The boys are just plain lucky to have two attractive ladies in one zoo.

Benjamin buys a home that happens to be a rural zoo in part because his wife died 4 months ago and the grieving process is ongoing, needing somewhere to let out the grief and bring the humanity back in. Director Cameron Crowe mistakenly uses several moments of Benjamin looking at iphotos of his wife, which come alive, to aid the sentimentality of the already overly-subscribed film.

In addition, the sweet score by Jonsi of Signur Ros and sunlit heads create an ethereal mood. Songs by Bob Dylan and Neil Young don't play all that well either. And soundtrack music is Crowe strength—not so much here.

In the end Crowe attempts to manipulate the audience into sympathy for a film that, like its zoo, is old and lifeless. As Kelly says, "The secret to talking is listening," but the listening is more torture than any caged, or rather "secured," animal endures in this broken down zoo.