Directed by:
Cameron CroweCinematography:
Rodrigo PrietoComposer:
Jon Thor BirgissonCast:
Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Angus Macfadyen, Elle Fanning, Patrick Fugit, John Michael Higgins (more)VOD (5)
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Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson co-star in this family film about a single dad who tries to give his family a fresh start by moving to a home situated in the middle of a zoo. (20th Century Fox UK)
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Reviews (11)
A a barrage of positivity that relies on the typical trademarks that Cameron Crowe sprinkles into each of his films: strong characters that you can't help but sympathize with, some sparkle between main characters, a common goal to work towards, a dash of emotions and personal attitudes that need to be changed, all adding to one of the film of the year. Crowe hasn't overstretched himself this time around, and made a modest, intimate film that is emotionally transparent and relatable, even though it's actually woefully unoriginal and ordinary. But even fleshing out the characters and dialogue and adding a catchy soundtrack is quite a feat in a production like this. The last scene is awesome.
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If I had the opportunity and the necessary funds, I would also like to own a zoo. After watching this relaxing film, this is doubly true. While it's full of clichés and perhaps overly saccharine, I actually expect all of that from a family movie for animal lovers, so I don't have the slightest problem with it. On the contrary, I was happy to be moved by the sweet story presented to me by mostly likable actors. The film also features great music. (85%)
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Today’s American genre movies apparently know only two extremes: either complete rejection of certainties and questioning of basic existential values or a safe escape into an idealised fairy-tale world. Cameron Crowe’s new film falls into the latter group with such irresistible guilelessness that I feel ashamed to criticise it for its naïveté. Since I ultimately didn’t get the good feeling that the film ceaselessly pushes on viewers, I’m not rating it higher, but in the same breath, I can recommend that you give We Bought a Zoo a chance, as it can be touching, depending on your state of mind at the moment. It’s solidly directed and offers tasteful humour, even when it comes to the animals. ___ Though the film doesn’t try to hide its affiliation with the Christmas family comedy category (American premiere date: 23 December), it also doesn’t manage to exploit it in any clever way. It is simply an intentionally nice film and nothing more. The type-casting of the characters is flawless; there is no risk that someone would deviate from the clearly defined course. Radical, though of course temporary, deviations are allowed either in the context of the acknowledged game (MacCready) or to confirm the absolute success of the main characters (Ferris). There are no negative characters that could be taken seriously. To be precise, the creepy inspector is a caricature like something out of a children’s book. Like the film’s cast of animals, he serves only for comic situations that alleviate the mourning for the dead wife and the search for a way back to people. The only effort at more sophisticated involvement of the ever-present animals in the central plot is the impassioned (even by the standards that the film sets) episode with the dying tiger. Otherwise, the animals only a) generate grotesque humour or b) try to convince us that it’s natural for them to be locked up in cages. Thomas Haden Church managed to make the most of his thankless role and, unlike Damon, he can deliver his great pearls of wisdom with a light sense of detached humour. The film otherwise falls desperately short. ___ The “fine” mood spiked with rising intensity towards the end (thanks especially to Elle Fanning) made me wonder if that was an intentional change of stylisation on Crowe’s part, resulting in a very clever practical joke. But probably not. 55%
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"We Bought a Zoo" is exactly the kind of undemanding film that it presents itself as. It begins with tragedy, only to end in absolute happiness. Cameron Crowe directed a film that will please you, give you hope again, that life can be beautiful. Matt Damon plays a man whose wife has died. He has two children that he wants to raise. To escape the past, he decides to move away. However, the new house will be very unusual. It includes a former zoo, where there are still animal enclosures and employees who haven't been paid for some time. Although it sounds like the biggest foolishness in his life, he decides to buy the zoo. The classic American dream can begin, with pathos, clichés, love, but also beautiful scenes. The story is simply straightforward, beautiful, touching, and kind. What holds it together are the excellent performances by the actors. Matt Damon is a guarantee, as well as Scarlett Johansson, but I was very surprised by Elle Fanning, playing a quirky girl who falls in love with Matt's movie son. With this role, Elle has surpassed her sister for me. She showed that she can act and that it suits her very well. "We Bought a Zoo" is simply an effortless, beautifully enjoyable experience. If you are looking for hope after a difficult life event, this is one of those films that can help you find it. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/08/lode-stud-zoo-marylin-pulnoc-v-parizi.html
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A film that's not afraid to deliberately move you, yet is perfectly optimistic and intentionally smiling with every thought and plot point. The whole group of teenagers, children, dedicated caretakers, and gazing animals could easily crumble into a meaningless family mess. But Cameron Crowe proves that he still has a firm hand in calming down turbulent emotions. A film for everyone. Literally.
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Gallery (99)
Photo © 20th Century Fox / Neil Preston
![We Bought a Zoo - Photos - Matt Damon, John Michael Higgins, Scarlett Johansson, Patrick Fugit](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/160/862/160862727_a4239d.jpg)
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