MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN: "WE BOUGHT A ZOO"

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

"WE BOUGHT A ZOO" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from We Bought a Zoo

After his Wife Katherine (Stephanie Szostak) passes away, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is left alone to care for his rebellious Son Dylan (Colin Ford) and charming Daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones). He decides to quit his job one day, moving out of their home to start a new life with his Family. Together, they stumble upon the perfect house... only to realize it's actually situated on a desperately ailing Zoo. Here we meet Zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson), Robin (Patrick Fugit) and Lily (Elle Fanning) who are struggling to keep things afloat until Benjamin decides to commit himself fully to making the Zoo's relaunch a reality. Realizing soon that his money is depleting as expenses pile-up, Benjamin and his helping hands are in a race against the clock with an inspection from the meticulous Walter Ferris (John Michael Higgens) soon-to-come, deciding the Zoo's fate ultimately.

With theatres being flooded with Dramas over the Holidays/Awards Season, We Bought a Zoo from acclaimed Director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) offers a welcome lighthearted option for Moviegoers. Do not however, mistaken this as fluff as there actually is substantial enough a story here with tons of heart and a struggle worth fighting for. Never for a minute do we not want this Zoo to succeed as each setback is thrown our way.

Damon in particular is endearing as a Father who genuinely gives it his all despite an unfortunate turn of events. His commitment to Benjamin can be felt throughout, whether it be in quieter moments when he reflects tearfully on lost love or when he is fully extended in an intense scene with his Son Dylan. Benjamin's budding relationship with Kelly is treated tastefully, remembering always to pay tribute always to the undying love he has for Katherine. Child Actors Jones and Ford also turn-in some wonderful performances, peeling different layers off of Benjamin.

20th Century Fox releases We Bought a Zoo nationwide on Friday, December 23, 2011.

SPECIAL THANKS

Mr. Will-W. would like to thank Universal Music, Sony Music, Warner Music, EMI, Alliance Films, 20th Century Fox Canada, Fox Searchlight Canada, Allied Integrated Marketing, Touchwood PR, D Films, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada and Warner Bros. Canada for their continued generosity. With their assistance, he is able to provide you with the latest and greatest in Music and Film.

Also due a thanks are the fantastic people at Media Profile, Capital C Marketing, Atom Factory, NKPR, H&M Canada, Menchie's, Butter PR, Thomas Allen & Son, Strategic Objectives, Matchstick, Woodbine Entertainment, Miles High Productions and CSN Stores for their support.