We Bought a Zoo Review
Try to find 20 seconds of courage in a frightening situation; that’s what guided Benjamin Mee (Matt Damen) his entire life, and that’s what helped him as an adult, as he faced a family crisis. Benjamin, is a widower with a 14 year old son and a 7 year old daughter. After losing his wife, Benjamin felt that he and the kids needed a new beginning; especially when Dylan (his moody teenage son) was caught stealing, his grades had declined and he continually drew pictures of decapitated men and other horrific drawings. It was time…Benjamin quit his job, took his inheritance, and found the perfect home just outside of town, the only problem is….he bought a house with a zoo. We Bought a Zoo is a heartwarming true story about family, zoo animals, and coping with the loss of a loved one.
Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: December 23, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
See a clip of my review here, along with War Horse!
Talking Points:
“When you love somebody that much, that hard, that long, you can’t get away from them.” That’s what Benjamin tells his kids. Though the movie is about animals, it is not a light heart-hearted movie for kids. The film has a mature subject matter; coping with the pain of losing a loved one. This could spark some great family discussions as we see this family handle their crisis. From the teenage son to the young daughter, they both handle it in different ways.
Benjamin and his son Dylan argue throughout the film. When Dylan gets caught stealing his dad says, “You stole, that breaks my heart.” Another parent/child discussion with teenagers.
I liked the characters and the different relationships in the film. From the zookeeper ( Scarlett Johansson) and zoo’s crew member’s to the family who bought the zoo.
Kids and adults who love animals will enjoy this film. You get to know some of the animals and their different behaviors.
I really enjoyed this movie, however my 12 year old son got a little bored, not enough action for him!
Sexual Content: Mild
- Benjamin’s brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church) wants his brother to date again. Forget the dating part, Duncan really thinks his brother needs to be sexually active again.
- Women flirt with Benjamin.
- Benjamin tells Kelly (Scarlett Johansoon), “I don’t want you to be offended if I don’t hit on you.” She says, “I’d be offended if you did.”
Violent Content: Mild
- Dylan’s draws dark and disturbing pictures.
- A grizzly bear breaks out of his enclosure, Benjamin and the bear come face to face, this may scare young kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- The s-word, a-word and d-word are each used several times.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- We see young adults drinking at a party.
- Character’s drink in a bar.
- One of the zoo’s crew member’s drinks a lot and gets drunk.
Overall We Bought a Zoo is a wonderful, heartwarming film. However, parents need to know that the movie highlights the mourning of a family, and the healing process involved.
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