Movies are reviewed based on its cast selection and development; plot development and finally the ending or the way they concluded the story. Bonus points will be awarded for good music, effects and other peripherals that gives the movie the extra UMPH!
A couple of notable points for this movie is in its cast selection and development. Most, if not all, of the cast seem to fit the characters they were given. For instance, Maggie Elizabeth Jones had the right facial expression and personality to carry the character of 7-year old Rosie Mee of whom after her mom passed away, she took on a bit more responsibility and become the female in the house but yet still remained the innocent little 7 year old who believes in the easter bunny. Matt Damon's acting was also applaudable as he depicted a very mature, loving and earnest Benjamin Mee
The only character that was a lil odd was the character of Lily Miska (Elle Fanning), the 13 year old relative of the zookeeper as well as unofficial staff of the zoo. Although she was suppose to be some country girl who has been raised in this zoo all her life and was attracted to the exotic city boy, Dylan Mee; there were scenes in which she really looked like girl ready to break into some psychotic episode or lived in a delusion of her own. But perhaps thats just being too harsh on her.
The zoo is open every single day of the year, rain or shine.
The movie being reviewed today is: We bought a Zoo.
Now for some of you who are furrowing your eyebrows going What?? This movie has much to boast about. For instance its directed by the acclaimed Cameron Crowe, who also directed Jerry Macguire and Almost Famous. It also has a star studded cast of Matt Damon as the lead male character and Scarlett Johansson as the leading starlet.
The story is based on the true story of Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) and his two kids who were looking for a fresh start after losing his wife/their mother. This search for a new start lead them to a seemingly hopeless, dilapidated zoo and it's motley crew of staff members. The story continues to show how as the family and crew work to rebuild and reopen the zoo, each member of the Mee family deals with the grief of losing their mother and wife. Entertaining scenes featuring the quirks of some of the characters added elements of humor to the movie while some scenes were just heart warming.
Another notable point to the movie was its ending. I won't let out too much, but I felt there was no rush in to ending the movie. And it had a good twist at the end which left the audience with a sense of warmness in their hearts. Personally, it almost moved me to tears and I would say it is one of the best endings I have seen in a movie thus far.
Overall rating for the movie
4 out of 5 (Worth grabbing a friend to go and watch)
Random facts about the movie: The zoo it was based on still exist till today. It is the Dartmoor Zoological park, Devon, England. The actual filming was done at Rosemoor Wildlife park, California.
The following are the details and prices. Its pretty cool that they allow the local village residents to go in for free and they don't take Tesco Card :)
Here is their website: http://www.dartmoorzoo.org/
Opening Hours
The zoo is open every single day of the year, rain or shine.Summer (April to November): 10am - 6pm
Winter (November to April): 10am - 4pm
Admissions from 1st April 2011
| Ticket Type | Single | Group (min 15) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £10.95 or $16.84 | £9.95 or $15.30 |
| Concession | £9.95 or $15.30 | £8.95 or $13.77 |
| Child (5 to 15yrs) | £8.95 or $13.77 | £7.95 or $12.23 |
| Under 5's | Free! | Free! |
| Family (4 persons, max 2 adults) | £35.00 or $53.83 | n/a |
*Residents of Sparkwell. Entrance to the zoo is free for all permanent residents of Sparkwell village. Please bring both proof of address and proof of identity that you are a genuine resident. Accepted forms of proof of address are: bank statement, utility bill, council tax bill. Accepted forms of proof of identity are: driving licence, passport, forces i.d. card.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept Tesco Clubcard vouchers!!!
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