Snazzified

Movie #2 - We Bought a Zoo

After a mundane, work-filled weekend, seeing this movie with a friend was just what I needed. Benjamin Mee is a former adventure writer who loses his wife to illness and is left to raise their two kids on his own (and with a little help from the kooky uncle). In a moment of inspiration/stupidity, he decides to purchase a home whose property includes a rundown zoo. He takes on the huge project of restoring the zoo to its original glory and in the process makes new friends, learns some life lessons, and copes with his grief and the effect this loss had on his children.

The movie was very well cast. Matt Damon was convincing as the father figure trying his best under rough conditions. Scarlett Johansson plays his love interest, but the love story (thankfully) doesn’t really take off. I say “thankfully” because I think the family dealing with grief aspect of the story was the most compelling, and somehow adding a halfhearted love story would have cheapened it. Also notable was the character of Lily, the 13 year old niece of Johansson’s character, who was played by Elle Fanning. All she had to do was act her age, and she did so quite well. The movie star polish and sophistication was stripped away, leaving a fresh-faced girl with an adorable case of the awkward giggles. Finally, there was Rosie, who plays Damon’s daughter and is truly a treat to watch. She’s played by Maggie Elizabeth Jones and I sure hope we see more of her because she is absolutely adorable!

If you’re looking for a heartwarming story, this movie might fit the bill. And if, like me, you are left wondering where the real zoo upon which this story is based is located, look no further: It’s in England. The movie version is in California, but that was a change they made in order to appeal more to American audiences.