We Bought a Zoo

      In 20th Century Fox’s newest family film We Bought a Zoo, Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson share the screen in this silver screen adaptation of a true story.  When Benjamin Mee’s wife dies he quits a lucrative job at a newspaper to move his family to of all places, a zoo!  This move takes not only himself and his son and daughter, but also the veteran staff on the adventure of a lifetime.  When Benjamin buys the zoo it is in disrepair and is in need of a lot of help.  Only months away from its opening and inspection, the entire zoo family is called upon to do their best to get the small family zoo ready for the public.  Not only is Benjamin juggling the job of owner to the zoo he also has to play the role of a single parent to his two children.   After his wife’s death he finds an uphill battle when it comes to fathering his teenage son who is having the most trouble of all at school and at home.

We Bought a Zoo is an animal adventure that the entire family would love to watch.  Lions, tigers, and bears: this movie has them all and then some.  This is just a well-rounded family movie for everyone.  Writer and director Cameron Crowe gives us a story that has it all: family, romance, comedy, and more.  Scarlett Johansson as head zookeeper Kelly Foster and Matt Damon as owner Benjamin Mee make a delightful pair as their chemistry lights up the screen.  This is one of my favorite family movies of the year.  We Bought a Zoo is a well told story that explores the natural bonds of family and friends. And who can resist the little Maggie Elizabeth Jones that plays Rosie Mee! Even the young actor playing Dylan Mee, Colin Ford is a dead ringer for a younger Matt Damon.
As many good things that I can say about this movie, it is not without its flaws.  Sometimes the story becomes lackluster and a little boring as it proceeds through the picture.  Some of the acting can be a little drab here and there, but otherwise this is a solid movie that would be a great addition to any family’s library.  I was impressed by the over all story, though some leeway was taken when bringing the story to the theater.  For anyone looking for that perfect family night movie- this is definitely one to check out.