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 & 8 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 in 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:

love at first sight | blocked road | zookeeper | father son relationship | teenage boy | 

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Taglines:

Based on a true story.

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Genres:

Comedy | 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 Spanish

Release Date:

23 December 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Un zoológico en casa

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,450,000, 25 December 2011, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$75,624,550

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$120,081,841

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox,LBI Entertainment,Vinyl Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Datasat SDDS Dolby Surround 7.1

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene towards the end of the film showing red kites flying against a blue sky with Sigur Ros' Hoppipolla playing was taken from Heima (2007) during the performance of Hoppipolla.

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Goofs

Kelly tells Rosie that tigers don't roar, they chuff. In actuality, tigers can roar; chuffing is their alternative to purring.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Dylan Mee: My dad is a writer who specialized in adventure.
Benjamin Mee: This is Benjamin Mee. I am surrounded by hundreds, probably thousands of killer bees. If I wasn't wearing this suit, I would be dead in an instant.
Dylan Mee: He interviewed dangerous dictators.
Hugo Chavez: Take this message to that American cowboy. We already gave a 10 billion dollar oil credit to China. Swallow that, Mr. Danger!
Benjamin Mee: What's your favorite movie?
Hugo Chavez: Toy Story.
[to his staff]
Hugo Chavez: The first one or the second one?
Segundo: The second.
[...]

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Connections

Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.46 (2011)

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Soundtracks

Holocene
Written by Justin Vernon
Performed by Bon Iver
Courtesy of Jagjaguwar
By arrangement with Bank Robber Music

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.