Many film directors are known for the type of movies they bring to the big screen – Oliver Stone, known for political and often controversial stories, Tim Burton known for his vivid imagery, and Michael Bay, the godfather of all
Many film directors are known for the type of movies they bring to the big screen – Oliver Stone, known for political and often controversial stories, Tim Burton known for his vivid imagery, and Michael Bay, the godfather of all things transformable. It’s no wonder that Cameron Crowe is dubbed the “feel good” director with enjoyable characters we dare to love. His latest venture into this arena is “We Bought A Zoo” based on the memoir of Benjamin Mee, the current owner of Dartmoor Wildlife Park in England. While the book chronicles the purchase of the then rundown zoo and the tumultuous journey through the recurrence of Benjamin’s wife’s brain tumor that ultimately claims her life, Crowe begins the film when Benjamin’s is already widowed and his life is at a crossroad.
The recent passing of his beloved spouse has prompted Benjamin (Matt Damon) to start anew. He purchases a spacious but rundown house with a zoo, the (fictional) Rosemoor Animal Park. Unbeknownst to the new owner, the keepers and staff that have maintained the animals throughout the years are still a part of the zoo. This delights his young daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) the pillar of strength in this anguished family seeking solace in their shattered world. Dylan (Colin Ford), Benjamin’s distraught teenage son, shutters at his father’s new plan, secretly wishing for his old life back.
The zoo staff, lead by head keeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson), is unimpressed with Benjamin and his wishes to revive the dilapidated property. They remain only because of the animals; Benjamin is their financial salvation. But the money well dries quickly. The Mee family delves further into emotional oblivion, and the staff grows weary that the animal park cannot be saved and will be sold. Benjamin discovers that his late wife left him a secret bank account to spend the savings “with heart,” a message well received that the zoo was meant to be. Determined, Benjamin, along with the staff, fixes the zoo in time for a grand reopening to the public.
The relationship between father and son, however, falls further by the wayside. Dylan, who expresses his feeling for despair through his artwork, loathes the move and more so, his father. His artwork is dark is if a caged animal can no longer fathom its unwanted captivity. A young hipster helper at the zoo, Lily (Elle Fanning), crushes on young Dylan, but the distraught young man cannot reciprocate. Benjamin confronts Dylan and a heated argument ensues. Father and son realize that their anger is equal and their grief simpatico — the broken bond is restored at that very moment. The Mee Family, Kelly, and the zoo keepers decide to move forward with the grand opening despite threats from a local zoo inspector who is all too eager to find fault with the animal enclosures and wanting to shut down Rosemoor.
Through hard work, determination, and a newfound morale, Mee and gang complete the final touches and word spreads about the grand opening. A rainstorm threatens their dreams but the weather has cleared for the big day. But no one has come for the festivities. Benjamin soon discovers that as a result of the tumultuous weather, a large tree has fallen and has now blocked the main road to the zoo. What he soon realizes is that droves of people have traveled from afar to enjoy Rosemoor.
“We Bought A Zoo” is definitely predictable with a typical tragedy-driven-spawns-happy-ending movie. But the treat is Crowe bequeaths a sense of hope and faith that life is all that it’s worth.
