holdenkara

My 8-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter, and I absolutely loved this movie. We laughed, held our breath, and shouted with triumph together- and it is the first time I have ever cried watching a Peter Pan story! (Unless you count FINDING NEVERLAND which is also excellent.) I felt the thematic elements were truer to the original intent of the play than any telling I've seen before and I believe anyone who has not grown old and bitter in their hearts will delight in this film. Bravo to the filmmakers and all the actors, young and grown, they made the impossible feel real and true. It was also just a really beautiful film to look at, which is always a bonus. And I have decided that if I ever grow up, I want to be Tiger Lily.

...And wow did they think of everything! What a delight this film was from start to finish - with plenty of call backs and cameos, but also just the right amount of new scenes to add to the original magic. It was such a joy to see everyone from my 75 year old mom to my 4 year old daughter laughing and enjoying it together. I've never written a review on here before, but I wanted to thank the filmmakers for keeping the spirit alive. It was everything I hoped it would be- a lot of laughs and even more heart. And seeing so many familiar faces back felt like going home - it was a wonderful early Christmas gift for my whole family.

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.