WE BOUGHT A ZOO (Dec 23, 2011)

Starring:  Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Elle Fanning, Patrick Fugit, J.B. Smoove, Angus Macfadyen, and John Michael Higgins

Director:  Cameron Crowe

Rated: PG-13  -  Runtime:  124 min

Genre:  Comedy | Drama | Family

I need to say this is probably the best family movie I have see this year.  In the short synopsis that IMDb gave the film fell far short of what this film is actually about.  It is most definitely more than a man moving his family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo.

This film is based on a true story, and the cast chosen to portray the actual individuals involved is perfect!  The cast, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon), Duncan Mee, (Thomas Haden Church), Dylan Mee (Colin Ford), Rosie Mee (Maggie Elizabeth Jones), and Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson) play out the story of a man and two children who had recently lost their mother/wife to cancer.  With that said, the story line could have been one of a dark saga but instead it is a great comedy/drama which takes the family through some rough times, but at no time was it dark and shadowed.  

You will fall in love with Rosie from the beginning and never fall out of love with the antics and drama that unfolds throughout.  Their father (Damon) is simply trying to do his very best to make a family atmosphere for the children.  The stumbling stone that was placed in their path is that the house they fell in love with was at one time a ZOO.  This is as far as I want to go with the movie, more will simply spoil your movie going enjoyment.  

Trust me when I offer this one up for a “MUST SEE”
movie for which to end 2011.  You won’t be disappointed whatsoever!!!  There are so many one liners that keep the film enjoyable and manage to capture the love and extent that one father will go for his family.

My Rating: 4 3/4 Mugs of Guinness - aka; 4 3/4 Stars for those not enjoying the better life with Irish Ale.

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AZ-Tom