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Comment by timothy k on March 17, 2012 at 2:03am

I gag at every Hollywood trope, and this movie was full of them; however, I really enjoyed it. 

I loved the interactions between Ben and the old tiger. It was an elegant way to pull two stories together. 

Comment by The Dork Knight on January 10, 2012 at 11:48pm

Very good review!!! I see what both sides are talking about...but I just came back from seeing this (no one else at theater since its like 2 weeks later), let me say, I'm glad nobody else was there, I definitely choked up a bit.

The movie does have its "flaws" like the Zoo Inspector, and some over-the-top moments...but really, the zoo inspector was my only complaint, and even he didn't bother me that much because I remembered its a family movie, and maybe they wanted to make his character a little bit over exaggerated because he doesn't fit in the same realm as the other characters. Then again minutes later it was out of my head so it didn't matter.

Yes that part did catch me off guard because I was connecting with everyone and it somehow managed to charm me...but the 2nd half did almost as good as a job as the 1st half. The human interaction with the community of animals as a backdrop blended smoothly.

Theres two things you guys either forgot to mention, or just didn't bother (unless I didn't hear it while I was laughing ;) but this IS a true story. A very uplifting one at that. Also the music, which I know one of you had to notice as a heavy element to why it was so emotional.

Jonsi (from Sigur Ros...EXCELLENT choice) did the music, and WOW...it was so surreal feeling at times that sometimes it almost felt forced, but in this case I actually respected what they were doing with it. It made some parts feel like a dream, and made you reflect on what makes you smile.

One scene for example, when Matt Damon is unsure about buying the zoo, until his daughter Rosie walks away and he runs up the hill yelling for her, until he stops and sees how happy and free his daughter is. Right away he seems to have a revelation that the zoo is his destiny. Let me tell you, for a PG movie, they REALLY captured the essence of what exactly you want to see in your family. A smile so bright you just can't help but smile yourself.

Yea I gotta admit, hearing the title "We Bought a Zoo", its almost laughable like "here we go another family comedy where the cute animals are the bait to ticket purchases" they DEFINITELY sold me. Seeing the trailer I said "you know what, that looks pretty good for a family movie, but will it be as emotional as the trailer seems?" It was full of human connection that triggered your emotions, well mine atleast.

I actually have to give this a Full Price. I dont even care...it connected with me in ways I wish more movies would. Also the last scene that he spends with his two kids at a cafe, is a scene where everyone will probably feel something. Very heartfelt. Every character felt important with the exception of the zoo inspector...the leads characters, the staff, and especially those kids were perfectly casted.  Oh...and I really love how they structured almost like a method to healing your pain. The father with his wife/family photos on his laptop, too hurt to even click on them. And the son with his graphic (well-done) art...that sees the brighter more comforting side by the end. As the daughter is pretty much the base of the entire adventure, since his father's main goal is to make his kids believe in happiness again.

Yea....I went on way too long about this movie I'll admit, but knowing its a true story, and they made perfect decisions between casting and music selection (been waiting to see a drama that has a score as effective as this), a Full Price is the lowest I can give it.

Although I was waiting for that bear 'Buster' to say "MATT DAAAMON!"

Comment by DesertPunk on January 6, 2012 at 6:45pm

awesome

Comment by Obscene Otter on January 1, 2012 at 7:30pm

I saw an Otter... have to see it

Comment by darth geekboy on December 31, 2011 at 8:01pm

oh leon..............i just totally lost respect for you for thinking kim krapdashian is hot.

Comment by movieguy1-5 on December 30, 2011 at 4:27pm

@john henry

Ik right? 

Comment by John Henry Eden v2.0 on December 30, 2011 at 3:54pm

@The Halfrican

It's the sequel to The Zookeeper, didn't you know?

Comment by John Henry Eden v2.0 on December 30, 2011 at 3:50pm

The Green Mile is obscure now?

Comment by AdamantiumBabies on December 30, 2011 at 11:22am

I enjoyed the hell out of this movie. It was such a huge breath of fresh air among so many violent, high octane, or depressing movies. Damon and Johannson did much better jobs in this movie than they were required to and although I didn't like how over the top John Michael Higgins was in the movie, it reminded me of the targeted audience for this movie and I sorta let it slide a little.

Comment by Ladya on December 30, 2011 at 10:08am

@ Bat21

Hiddleston's dating an English actress. That screenshot was just them goofing about during an interview.

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