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)

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%) (22/06/2021)

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)

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)

Like Benjamin Mee, I don't know how to approach this now. So, I’ll take it one step at a time. The premise was okay, and I didn't have the slightest problem with it. Compassion and love for animals (as long as it remains purely platonic) are definitely a good thing. On the other hand, I have a problem with the way these values were presented. It was a family film, so I knew there were going to be moral lessons. They didn’t even feel out of place. It could have been a decent film if it hadn’t been turned into a huge nostalgic emotional wringer and sacrificed everything else to that end. I’ve been a fan of Scarlett Johansson ever since The Horse Whisperer (1998) and Ghost World (2001). I was all the more annoyed by the character she portrayed here. I’m sure there are people who will share all their problems, issues, and failures with you five minutes after you meet them. I just don't want to meet them. It was all so uncomfortable to watch; the constant reminiscing about the wife, the dying tiger, the troubled teenager. It was just cheap, and it must have been obvious to everyone what ending the film was heading towards. No, the film wasn’t enjoyable and I’m glad it's over. / Lesson learned: Teaching a beast to give a paw might not be a good idea. (14/09/2022)