We Bought a Zoo

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. (09/14/2022)

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)

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%) (06/21/2021)

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. (10/12/2013)

A a barrage of positivity that relies on the typical trademarks that Cameron Crowe sprinkles into each of his films: strong characters that you can't help but sympathize with, some sparkle between main characters, a common goal to work towards, a dash of emotions and personal attitudes that need to be changed, all adding to one of the film of the year. Crowe hasn't overstretched himself this time around, and made a modest, intimate film that is emotionally transparent and relatable, even though it's actually woefully unoriginal and ordinary. But even fleshing out the characters and dialogue and adding a catchy soundtrack is quite a feat in a production like this. The last scene is awesome. (04/20/2016)