We Bought a Zoo

2011 "A true zoo story."
7| 2h4m| PG| en
Details

Benjamin has lost his wife and, in a bid to start his life over, purchases a large house that has a zoo – welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is in need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper and the rest of the staff, but, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble.

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Reviews

MamaGravity good back-story, and good acting
Ezmae Chang This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.
riteshk-71503 This movie could have been great provided that it is based on a true story. But unfortunately it isn't. The movie is so predictable from begging to end that I could tell what was about to happen next. Overall its a good movie to watch with family. Just enjoy it, don't expect anything special.
Michael O'Keefe A feel good movie directed by Cameron Crowe, who also co-wrote the screenplay.Full of positivity, empathy and new found love. Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon), following the death of his wife and his 14-year-old son, Dylan (Colin Ford), being expelled from school, decides to get a brand new start and looks for new surroundings. He has always been an adventurous soul and he is ready to take Dylan and and his little sister Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) to their new home...it just happens to be part of a down-on-its-luck zoo. Yes, zoo with a very attractive head zookeeper, Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson). Mee's big brother, Duncan (Thomas Haden Church), reluctantly becomes a believer in the adventure. Kelly's zoo-keeping skills and Benjamin's finances are needed to make a go of the zoo and the Mee family.Also in the cast: John Michael Higgins, Angus Macfadyen, Patrick Fugit and and the very impressive Elle Fanning. This happy, venture into the rebuilding of a zoo is accompanied with a pleasant soundtrack featuring: Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Isley Brothers, Bob Dylan and Echo and The Bunnymen.My only complaint: not enough sparks flying between Damon and Miss Johansson (who is too beautiful playing plain Jane).
wlhawk-91860 CONTAINS POSSIBLE SPOILERS: This was the perfect film for Matt Damon. He comes across genuine and sincere. The idea that life will in fact through you curve balls and it is how you deal with that is completely up to you. The movie gives a realistic look at how you may handle a tragedy and the world doesn't stop to let you catch up. Yes, I know there is some predictability in the story here and there but the journey the movie takes is quite sweet and funny at moments. In regards to the Family Film aspect, it touches on several things families can relate to. Sure there is a few curse words , but they are used to convey a message that opens communication for families that may have experienced something similar.
mike48128 That is both a complement and an insult at the same time. So "wholesome" and yet so unrealistic. Almost based on a true story. The real zoo was in England and the real-life counterpart really did buy an old, broken-down, condemned zoo. Populated by beautiful people like Elle Fanning and Scarlet Johansson. Reminds me a lot of the MGM Movie & Series "Clarence-the-Cross-Eyed-Lion". The house is purchased and the zoo kind of comes with it. A young widower moves here from the city in a desperate effort to keep his family together after mom dies. Many different characters and situations from puppy-love to bankruptcy occur. Actually much better than it sounds! A nice, clean, but almost unbelievable series of events pulls it all together, including the special "death with dignity" of a very-old (but not cross-eyed) lion. Most entertaining and it is truly family entertainment. Probably found in the children's section or at the library. It will appeal to younger children. "G". Nothing really objectionable.