Review

Review Date: 26-December-11
Spoiler Rating: Medium
Juju Judgment: Just OK

We Bought a Zoo (2011)

If anyone could bring out the genuine emotions of We Bought a Zoo, it's Matt Damon. He elevates every role he occupies whether the motivation is urgency (the Bourne movies), comedy (The Informant!), romance (The Adjustment Bureau), or suffering (The Talented Mr. Ripley). And there is much to praise about his performance as Benjamin Mee, a magazine writer and father of two who buys a dilapidated menagerie after his beloved wife dies (or buys the farm, as it were). Looking pleasantly rumpled in turtlenecks and utility belt, Damon easily jumps through the hoops which director/co-writer Cameron Crowe sets before him. The problem is, Crowe sets hoops for urgency, comedy, romance, and suffering, each doused with flaming sap. Benjamin's pre-teen son (Colin Ford) has retreated into himself following his mother's death. Benjamin exacerbates the problem by turning almost exclusively to his nauseatingly precocious little daughter (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) for family support. As his more practical brother (Thomas Haden Church) constantly reminds him, the zoo is a risky investment. It requires more money than Benjamin has, along with nonstop maintenance by himself and his inherited payroll of cutesy-colorful staff, one of whom is a kind and beautiful blonde (Scarlett Johansson). For extra drama, a tiger reaches its last legs. For extra laughs, an obnoxious zoo inspector (John Michael Higgins) threatens to shut them down.

One could take the full measure of the movie from this description or the syrupy trailer. (I don't recommend buying candy for this one since it would be redundant.) We Bought a Zoo does have a couple surprises, however. Johansson's performance as Benjamin's love interest reminded me that she is more than just a bombshell. Given the chance, she brings a unique earthiness and sense of humor to the screen. Elle Fanning is equally charming in the ridiculous role of the lonely homeschooler who makes eyes at Benjamin's son. I could take her or leave her in Super 8, but boy, is she likable when she's vulnerable. Along with Damon, these actors generate as much authenticity as the movie allows. Their efforts make it bearable, but it tries too hard to be believed.

Copyright © 2011 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.