Review of We Bought a Zoo (2011) by Terry R — 26 Dec 2012

Sweet real life story about a recently widowed father of two that, tired of the life of the city and trying to run away from the painful memories of his departed wife, decides to pack up and go to live in the country side. Benjamin and his young daughter fall in love with and old house in the middle of nowhere but, to their surprise, the back garden contains a declining zoo. Against the wishes of his difficult teenage son and the advice of his sensible brother, Benjamin goes ahead and buys the house and the zoo and embarks in an adventure that becomes also a spiritual journey. He doesn't now the first thing about animal keeping but with a strong will to learn and the help of the carers of the zoo, he attempts to save the business from almost certain bankruptcy and from an inflexible health and safety inspector..

It is a movie based in the memoir with the same name by Benjamin Mee. As a movie it might not be outstanding but it is a truthful account of real events made with care and feeling with remarkable performances of the characters of Benjamin (Damon) and his son Dylan (Ford). An uplifting story with animals make an ideal family movie to watch with the kids on a lazy Sunday afternoon or during Christmas.