We Bought a Zoo [Review by Parsi]

We Bought a Zoo is just plain average.  There is very little that is exciting or interesting.  Nothing is particularly bad, but everything is pretty ho-hum. 

I will say this, We Bought a Zoo has terrific animal scenes.  But you can get terrific animal shots on Animal Planet or in an IMAX documentary.  If you want to see the curious eyes of exotic animals you do not have to work hard to find it. 

I am not willing to state that this is the “beginning of the end” of writer/director Cameron Crowe‘s film career, as others may so cavalierly declare using the animal related witticism “jumping the shark” for good measure.  Afterall, the highly regarded Bill Simmons called Crowe’s Almost Famous the best movie of the aughts.  Crowe also wrote and directed Say Anything and Jerry Maguire just to name two.  One misstep is not necessarily the sign of the winding down of an impressive career.  What is disappointing is that We Bought a Zoo lacks the charm, wit, and soul that his previous films possessed in bunches. 

Part of the problem is that most of the cast seems like they are just going through the motions.  The acting was pedestrian from just about all of the performers.  At times it feels like you are watching the first read through of the script.  There is little development or ebb and flow.  The emotional output is minimal.  They just do not seem that into it. 

There is no chemistry between Matt Damon (Benajmin Mee) and Scarlett Johansson (Kelly Foster).  They might as well have been siblings.  They telegraph their forthcoming romantic interlude from the first moment they are on screen together but it is impossible to believe there is any romance when it actually happens.  What transpires is lackluster at best.  These are two beautiful people, you would think they could cook up a little bit of chemistry.  

Damon’s interaction with his on-screen children Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) and Dylan (Colin Ford) is also pretty low-key given the storyline.  He is trying to save his family but it never seems like he is trying that hard. 

Damon has some quality interactions with a tiger, a porcupine, and a bear.  Interactions which are markedly better than his human interactions.  There is an actual emotional give and take between the critters and Damon that rang true and was impactful.     

Maggie Elizabeth Jones is a charming performer.  She was sassy enough to be interesting but cute enough to remain a kid, a task that is often fumbled.  Jones was also at her best in  her various and genuine interactions with animals (namely the peacocks).       

Thomas Haden Church (Duncan Mee) performance is also strong.  He is both dynamic and unassuming.  His normal quirkiness was a pleasant fit for his role. 

Part of my disappointment and lack of enthusiasm is probably the result of my expectation of something better from Crowe.  I think the film has some charm.  The animals are adorable and most of the interactions with the animals are interesting and complex.  It is also nice to see human-animal interactions where the animals are not anthropomorphized.  Seeing animals portrayed as wild and not cuddly pets is also refreshing.  Unfortunately, the film as a whole is underwhelming. 

PARSI VERDICT:  A very average movie with some pretty cool animals.    

See what the other half thinks:  Haus’s view.