It is no secret that the Holiday Movie Season is absolutely saturated with animated entries, so the presence of a live-action family film is always understandably refreshing, and the exceptionally strong cast boasted by We Bought a Zoo was simply icing on the cake. Whether he’s beating the snot out of spies or plotting to take down a casino, Matt Damon is easily one of my favorite actors in Hollywood, and this newest comedy-drama seemed like the best kind of lighthearted upswing after Damon’s serious turn in Contagion. Add in the beauty of Scarlett Johansson and the cynicism of Thomas Haden Church, a premise involving exotic animals, and I was already completely sold on We Bought a Zoo. I was also considerably curious concerning the involvement of director/producer/writer Cameron Crowe, who is better known to audiences for more serious dramas like Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous. Needless to say, I had high expectations concerning We Bought a Zoo, but by all appearances it didn’t look like there was much that could disappoint.
Though not as refined as I would have ultimately preferred, We Bought a Zoo remains a well-made, feel good film that should have no problem warming your heart and putting a smile on your face. As always, Matt Damon shines with his everyman persona, playing an idealistic, if slightly haphazard, father struggling to keep his family together, all the while demonstrating that he possesses a truly good soul. The cast in its entirety displays a welcome amount of chemistry, with Thomas Haden Church and Scarlett Johansson making the most of their screen time, but the true standouts are present amongst the younger cast members. Elle Fanning once again demonstrates the maturity that stood out in Super 8, this time adding in more of a sunny, girl-next-door disposition, while Maggie Elizabeth Jones may be the most preciously adorable child actor to grace the silver screen in years. The story is slightly too predictable and lags are certain points, but the fact remains that We Bought a Zoo displays considerable amounts of heart and emotional depth that audiences will not soon forget.
Overall Recommendation: High
