At the movies: We Bought a Zoo
Benjamin Mee’s wife has passed away and he’s struggling as a single parent to his two children. When his son is expelled from school, Benjamin realizes he has to make some changes in their lives and decides to look for a house with some land. When the realtor shows him a house that’s on the grounds of a zoo, he decides that’s just what they need and buys it, even though he knows nothing about zoos or animals. He moves his family and it seems he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johannson, is loosely based on the book of the same name, and it’s one of the rare instances when I actually preferred the movie to the book. While the book told of the business aspect of running a zoo and caring for animals, the movie explored the emotional side. And emotional it is – be sure to have tissues handy.
I thought the casting in the movie was good – Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Rosie was unbelievably adorable – and the acting was solid. Seeing so many animals was an added bonus. The movie is rated PG and can be enjoyed by all but the youngest members of the family. If you missed it in the theater, be sure to rent it.
I’m going to have to wait for the DVD for this one. But I plan to watch — can’t resist the animals.
So glad that this movie is good. I will be waiting for the DVD.
O the movie does sound better. Thanks for the review. I’ve been wondering about this one.
My daughter and I absolutely loved this movie — but I did run out of hankies!
I definitely am adding this to my Netflix list!
I have to say (don’t take offence it is not aimed at you!!!) but I will not watch this movie! The reason? Well the guy who wrote the book actually bought Dartmoor Wildlife Park, which is a 40 minute drive from where I live. It’s located on one of the most beautiful and stark moors in the UK. This film would have been fantastic if set on Dartmoor, but instead the author (in my opinion) sold out by allowing this to be filmed in the US. If filmed at the actual zoo, it would have brought a lot of revenue to a very poor area and would have helped the zoo so much. The zoo is run down and the enclousres are still too small. The new owners have made a lot of improvements, but think of what they could have achieved if Matt Damon had been filmed on Dartmoor! Sovereign, who is a beautiful Jaguar, could have had a bigger enclosure and maybe a mate!
What a great point Lu! Unfortunately – or fortunately as it was a good movie – the director Cameron Crowe decided to make the movie with Matt Damon and make it American. I guess Matt Damon doesn’t do well with accents. Funnily enough, it was actually filmed about 10 minutes from where I live.
It is NOT really Mee’s story – the screenwriter gave Mee a teenage son which he didn’t have – but if you can look at it a part from the book, from which it strayed quite a bit, it’s quite good.
I prefer the emotional side rather than the business side of these stories. Thanks for the review
I recall that you didn’t love this book. I went with a bunch of ladies to see this movie and we all loved it! When I think about the end when he took his kids to the restaurant I could just start crying all over again. I am such a big baby!
I will skip the book on this one and wait for the dvd. It’s funny how they can take a not so great book and make a good movie out of it.
I love the idea of this movie, and think that I would really enjoy this a lot. It seems like it has a lot od appeal, and I am glad that you enjoyed it. I will be looking for it on video.
I think this is one of those cases where I’d rather watch the movie than read the book!
I’ll rent this on DVD just for the animals alone!
Two words: Matt Damon.
This looks so cute! Rarely do I appreciate a movie more than a book!
I will also add this to our Netflix list. I’m a sucker for animals – and, um, Matt Damon.
“adorable” ..oh, my teeth are starting to ache
I’ll have to watch this one on dvd, thanks! for sharing.
The movie looks cute and touching, although having read Lu’s comments, I wish they’d filmed this on Dartmoor.
I’m glad to see that you liked this one so much! I’m going to have to track down a copy.
I think it would be fun to see just for the animals.
It makes a change to see Matt Damon in this kind of film. I don’t think I’ve seen him in anything other than action films.
I wasn’t sold on this one but after reading your review, now I think I need to watch this one!
Yes! It is an emotional movie. Both my daughter and I were in tears. My hubby too felt the struggle of the dad (Matt Damon) because he could relate. The cast is strong and the movie was realistic to us.
A movie that’s better than the book? That I’ve got to see.
I so want to see this!! It sounds like it is better than the book … when does that ever happen?
I don’t go to the moviesoftenvut I will certainly get this one when it comes out on DVD, sounds pretty awesome!
I just recently went to see this movie rather reluctantly and ended up having a great time! It was hilarious. I’m not sure if I spent most of my time laughing at the movie or my family.
It was nice to see Johannson in a less sexy role. I’ve always liked her.
I adore Matt Damon, and am interested in this movie. Glad it was good and thanks for the tissue alert.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. It’ll be a rental for me.
We loved this one. Loved seeing Matt Damon in the non-action hero role. We’ll be getting the DVD as well.
2 Kids and Tired Books
I definitely needed tissues!
i can never quite find the time to watch all the great movies i flag that i want to see…this being one of them!
Right now I’m watching a movie I love way more than the book. You’ll have to come by on Friday to find out