We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo.

Director:

Cameron Crowe

Writers:

Aline Brosh McKenna (screenplay), Cameron Crowe (screenplay),

Stars:

Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church

1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matt Damon	...	Benjamin Mee
Scarlett Johansson	...	Kelly Foster
Thomas Haden Church	...	Duncan Mee
Colin Ford	...	Dylan Mee
Maggie Elizabeth Jones	...	Rosie Mee
Angus Macfadyen	...	Peter MacCready (as Angus MacFadyen)
Elle Fanning	...	Lily Miska
Patrick Fugit	...	Robin Jones
John Michael Higgins	...	Walter Ferris
Carla Gallo	...	Rhonda Blair
J.B. Smoove	...	Mr. Stevens (as JB Smoove)
Stephanie Szostak	...	Katherine Mee
Michael Panes	...	Principal
Kym Whitley	...	Cashier
Todd Stanton	...	San Diego Vet

Storyline

Benjamin has lost his wife. In a bid to start his life over, he purchases a large house that has a zoo. This is welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper, Kelly, and the rest of the zoo staff. But, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble. The staff must get the zoo back to its former glory, pass a zoo inspection, and get it back open to the public.

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Plot Keywords:

zoo | inspection | brother sister relationship | school expulsion | diner | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and some thematic elements

Details

Official Sites:

20th Century Fox [United States] Official site [Spain]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 December 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Un zoológico en casa

Filming Locations:

990 N. Allen St., Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$9,450,000 (USA) (23 December 2011)

Gross:

$75,621,915 (USA) (11 May 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, LBI Entertainment, Vinyl Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Datasat Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the first pub scene an old TV is showing a soccer match where a goal had just been scored by Brian Talbot for Arsenal. This was a significant English FA Cup final match in 1979 between Arsenal and Manchester United where with minutes remaining Arsenal snatched victory to win 3-2 ending a thrilling final.

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Goofs

The weight of the bear is stated once as 650#, then later as 750#; Lily's age is stated by aunt as 13, then by other characters as 14.

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Quotes

Kelly Foster: If I wanted to be kissed by you, you wouldn't have a choice.

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Connections

Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.57 (2011)

User Reviews

A wonderful family movie that is full of heart and appeals to all ages. A must see family movie. I easily say its an A.

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." Benjamin Mee's (Damon) life is starting to crumble. His wife has died, his son is expelled from school and he quit his job. In hopes to start a new life they decide to move and find the perfect house. Then they realize that it's a zoo. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical going in because I thought that it would be a good movie but really cheesy. I really like Cameron Crowe though so I expected it to be good from that. I have to admit that this was one of the best family movies that I have seen in a long time. The movie had enormous heart, depth and tackled real world issues while still appealing to all ages. The writing and the acting were great and the movie absolutely won me over a half hour in. I highly recommend this one. Overall, this is a must see for families and is one to buy so you can watch over and over. I give it an A.