Review: We Bought a Zoo
“It’s a zoo.” Is not something you would expect to hear when looking for a new place to live. But that is one Benjamin Mee hears when he thinks he’s found the perfect place to start a new, six months after his wife dies.
His little girl Rosie is thrilled. His son Dylan, not so much. His new staff is skeptical and especially his new Zoo Keeper Kelly. But he is determined to make it work. For his family, for the grounds, for the crew and for the animals.
That is how We Bought a Zoo stars. And if you’re as movie-savvy as me you might be quick to classify it in the “Getting back on your feet after a tragedy” set of journey movies under the umbrella of light-drama. And you’ll be right. It is that kind of movie. And it’s a stellar example of its kind.
The first thing you probably don’t really need to know is that We Bought a Zoo is based on a book, a
From left to right: Felix, Katie, Scarlet Johansson, Matt Damon, Colin Ford, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Elle Fanning, Lucy (no credited name), and an unknown giraffe
memoir actually, written by Benjamin Mee who actually lived the story portrayed in this movie. Obviously certain dramatizations occurred but the basic story is true. This happened. And if you know this, I think the movie will be more powerful for you.
Matt Damon is a capable actor in many respects and as he gets older, he allows himself more serious, emotional roles. Scarlett Johanssen shows us again why she is a very sought out actress. Their building relationship is subtle, not overtly romantic and actually dubious to the point that you’re not sure what exactly will happen with them at the end. And I like that, the fact that it’s not obvious they will be lovers.
The kids are halfway decent and rather cute with Elle Fanning taking the star performance as the goofy over-enthusiastic country girl enthralled by the “exotic” city boy. Their story provides a slightly cuter sub-story of the struggles of the zoo.
However, I think my favorite is Angus Macfadyen as the slightly psychotic McCready, the Zoo’s head engineer, who literally wants to kill their animal welfare inspector, the sort of villain in the story. And his Scottish mannerisms provide some, but not exaggerated, comic-relief.
I think you already know my closing statement on this but I will still say, in the spirit of the movie, “Why would you want to watch it?” “Why not?”
Posted in Reviews by Eran with comments disabled.