We Bought A Zoo!!!

We Bought a Zoo is directed by Cameron Crowe and stars Matt Damon, Thomas Hayden Church and Scarlett Johansson. The film is based off the book by Benjamin Mee and centers around a family that struggles with a loss and is desperately seeking for change. Matt Damon portrays Benjamin Mee as a young father who loses his wife and decides to pick up and move with his two young children to a house that is set on the property of a zoo.

We Bought a Zoo was a heartwarming film. It was a beautiful representation of a family coming together through the most difficult times of their lives. Matt Damon is perfect as the father that just wants to do the right thing, and help his family move on and grow strong without forgetting their mother. His brother, Duncan, portrayed by Church, is great as the comic relief and truly supports his brother’s decision to open the zoo. Their relationship is fun and realistic, most of their scenes are comical but there are a few that are touching and inspirational. The fact that Duncan knows his brother is crazy for wanting to re-open a zoo with not much money and still has his back no matter what is what makes this film so special. Colin Ford portrays Dylan Mee, the son of Benjamin, as a rebellious teen that doesn’t want to move and thinks the zoo is a bad idea. He is unsupportive and hard to handle because he is incapable of dealing with his loss and having his father as the only person to care for him. Maggie Elizabeth Jones portrays Rosie Mee, Benjamin’s daughter, and she is adorable. She’s sweet, funny and touches everyone’s heart with her performance. Scarlett Johansson portrays Kelly, the zookeeper; she attempts to help Benjamin re-open the zoo in only a short period of time. The relationship between Benjamin and Kelly is beautiful, they are trusting and helpful with each other and Damon and Johansson create wonderful chemistry together on screen.

The story of the film is inspiring. It leaves the audience wanting to run out and change their life in hope of a better outcome. Benjamin takes a leap of faith and risks everything he has to save his family, to save himself.  It’s a hopeful story that will make the audience laugh, cry and leave only wanting more. We Bought A Zoo is highly recommended, especially for anyone who enjoys a film deeply packed with love, heart, and the beauty of the unknown.