In 2004 journalist Benjamin Mee quit his job and moved his family to their perfect home, with one complication; the house was located in a struggling zoo. Then, in 2007 a recently widowed Benjamin Mee released a memoir entitled We Brought A Zoo telling the emotional adventure he’s had while renovating the zoo. Now, in 2012 director Cameron Crowe has brought Benjamin’s incredible story to the big screen with some slight alterations.
Matt Damon, whose sincere and genuine portrayal of Benjamin Mee takes us on an emotional journey revolving around Benjamin and his staff trying to repair the zoo to the required standards. However the ups and downs of the zoos renovation never evolves into a compelling plot point and therefore the film relies on the characters and their emotional connection towards one another to succeed.
As stated Matt Damon gives a brilliant performance as Benjamin Mee yet Maggie Elizabeth Jones’s portrayal of Benjamin’s 7 year old daughter Rosie Mee is an absolute treat. With a sufficient amount of screen time, Maggie brings her charming and adorable character to life generating some chuckles along the way. Meanwhile Scarlet Johansson plays confident head zoo keeper Kelly Foster who develops into an intriguing counterpart to Damon’s Benjamin.
Ellie Fanning also stars as Johansson’s somewhat annoying but adorable 12 year old cousin Lily Miska. Fanning is thrust into a romantic sub plot with Benjamin’s grumpy 14 year old son Dylan Mee (Colin Ford).Fanning’s performance won’t unfortunately be turning heads as it did in 2011 sci-fi; Super 8. However Ford’s portrayal of angry and miserable Dylan is the centre of some very moving scenes that tug those heart strings in all the right places; once Crowe gets to work with his characters relationships.
Meanwhile John Michael Higgins’ zoo inspector Walter Ferris, Scottish actor Angus Macfadyen’s aggressive zoo carpenter Peter MacCready and Thomas Haden Church’s logical thinking older brother Duncan Mee fill the comedic roles nicely. It’s just a shame Patrick Fugit’s character gets nothing to do. His pet monkey looked to be a promising inclusion.
“Will have you leaving the cinema with a smile on your face and a wet tissue in your hand.”
With animals such as Rosie (Tai) from Water for Elephants and Jack (Uggie) from The Artist stealing the spotlight from their movies, you would expect We Brought A Zoo to create its own animal star. Moody bear Buster and ill tiger Spar are the only animals given a decent amount of screen time. Spar’s presence makes for a touching scene between Benjamin and himself and Buster earns a laugh or two from his scenes but neither leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It’s safe to say that neither animal will be picking up a Golden Collar Award.
Director Cameron Crowe’s focus on character relationships are what really make the film enjoyable. A potential romance between Benjamin and Foster gives Johansson something to work with. Meanwhile an emotional exchange between Benjamin and his son Dylan creates a heartfelt response that will have you leaving the cinema with a smile on your face and a wet tissue in your hand.
Crowe’s attempt to create a heartfelt, feel good movie through likable animals and lovable people succeeds. Thanks to some brilliant performances by Damon and co the lack of intriguing plot can be forgiven, enabling the film to coast by with a sturdy line of amusement through-out the 123 minute running time; definitely one for the family.
Popcorn & Soda Rating: 3/5
