We Bought a Zoo

I love it when filmmakers take a good and original true story and interpret it in an utterly beautiful and natural way that brings up a ton of emotions and by the end of the film it makes me feel truly amazing. Films like this are as scarce as grains for forest animals in the middle of desert. Well, that may be a stupid analogy. Simply there’s just very few of them. But still you can come across stories with happy endings that are worth watching. This one is really emotional, because it’s not only about a likable family, but also about the zoo, which instantly doubles the emotions. Matt Damon’s sincere expression throughout the whole film made me really happy. I wish there were more surprises like this and always something I could look forward to and be happy for others for a job well done. (13/05/2013)

A film that is not afraid to deliberately touch you, yet is perfectly optimistic and intentionally smiling with every thought and point. The whole group of teenagers, children, dedicated caretakers, and gazing animals could easily crumble into a meaningless family mess. But Cameron Crowe proved that he still has a firm hand in calming down turbulent emotions. A film for everyone. Literally. 90%. (04/04/2012)

A thoroughly upbeat spectacle, for which one obviously has to be in the mood (and I was). I was still worried about five minutes before the film started that it would be too cute, full of babbling children, funny animals and so on. Of course, no such thing happened. Excellent sympathetic actors, nice script, humor, a tear here and there (really!)... And the sensational character of the zoo inspector played by John Michael Higgins. (12/10/2013)

If I had the opportunity and the necessary funds, I would also like to own a zoo. After watching this relaxing film, this is doubly true. While it's full of clichés and perhaps overly saccharine, I actually expect all of that from a family movie for animal lovers, so I don't have the slightest problem with it. On the contrary, I was happy to be moved by the sweet story presented to me by mostly likable actors. The film also features great music. (85%) (21/06/2021)

"We Bought a Zoo" is exactly the kind of undemanding film that it presents itself as. It begins with tragedy, only to end in absolute happiness. Cameron Crowe directed a film that will please you, give you hope again, that life can be beautiful. Matt Damon plays a man whose wife has died. He has two children that he wants to raise. To escape the past, he decides to move away. However, the new house will be very unusual. It includes a former zoo, where there are still animal enclosures and employees who haven't been paid for some time. Although it sounds like the biggest foolishness in his life, he decides to buy the zoo. The classic American dream can begin, with pathos, clichés, love, but also beautiful scenes. The story is simply straightforward, beautiful, touching, and kind. What holds it together are the excellent performances by the actors. Matt Damon is a guarantee, as well as Scarlett Johansson, but I was very surprised by Elle Fanning, playing a quirky girl who falls in love with Matt's movie son. With this role, Elle has surpassed her sister for me. She showed that she can act and that it suits her very well. "We Bought a Zoo" is simply an effortless, beautifully enjoyable experience. If you are looking for hope after a difficult life event, this is one of those films that can help you find it. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/08/lode-stud-zoo-marylin-pulnoc-v-parizi.html (24/02/2013)