WE BOUGHT A ZOO (REVIEW)
Rated PG - 124 mins
Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Hayden Church, Maggie Elizabeth
Jones, Elle Fanning, Patrick Fugit, Colin Ford
Captivating from the start, this original story full of
inspiration is loosely based on the memoir of widower Benjamin Mee.
Matt Damon plays the laid back perfect gentleman Benjamin, now left
solo with their two children, Rosie 7 and Dylan 14.
The film begins six months after his wife has passed (Stephanie
Szosak - appears in some lovely executed flashbacks) showing that Ben
is still obviously crushed. Looking for a sea change, he moves his young
family to the hilly countryside of Southern California to renovate and
re-open a long struggling zoo. Some 200 animals inhabit the surrounds
with a variety rare or close to extinction. An assortment of offbeat
employees have been loyal to the cause keeping this afloat with limited
government funding, however they see Benjamin as their saviour.
Not being too good with self finances is not something
the animal workers are aware of at first, but it isn't long until their
new boss has empty bank accounts. Against all odds and with more than
a stroke of luck from a higher entity, things begin to fall into place,
financially and personally in Benjamin's life. Getting the depleted
zoo up to scratch for an inspection is part of the suspense leading
to the grand opening.
John Michael Higgens (Best in Show, Fired Up) is hilarious
as the snooty grounds inspector who has an ongoing sight gag involving
an erect tape measure. The pleasant story stays realistic to the point
you get very involved in many of the characters, although there's no
holding back on overly sentimental resonance at regular intervals. Essentially
a workplace comedy, action and romance keeps things moving, but trust
me, tears appeared in my eyes more than once.
Music plays a big role, none more so than a few tunes
from folk hero Bob Dylan, but director Cameron Crowe (Say Anything,
Almost Famous) has never made a film without a hit soundtrack to go
with his articulate scripts. Laughing is essential, even when things
are going wrong. The odds may be against these guys with distractions
threatening to derail the refurbished zoo, but it's just part of the
fun.
Scarlett Johansson can't help looking sultry even in overalls
and work boots, but her great acting is essential to overcome any issues
of simple eye candy. Philosophical outbursts and her confrontations
with Benjamin, romantically or otherwise, are pitch-perfect in her role
as head zookeeper. I would suggest that very few digital effects were
used in the abundant scenes with the animals, the creatures are beautiful,
the beats are real. Just as natural is Elle Fanning, recently so good
in 'Super 8' and the little seen 'Somewhere' for such a young actress
with range.
Heartbreak with fearless challenges, along with father
and son issues, all come to fruition in this never boring family friendly
movie that is one of the best releases this Christmas.
Shane A. Bassett
