We Bought a Zoo (2011)
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A widowed father and his children embark on a new beginning by purchasing and restoring a dilapidated zoo.
The story
Seven months after the death of his wife, Benjamin Mee's family seeks a fresh start. After moving to a new house, they discover it is attached to a dilapidated zoo that closed years ago. Despite his brother's concerns, Benjamin decides to purchase the property to give his children a new beginning. While the zoo staff begins renovations to reopen the facility, Benjamin's son Dylan struggles to adjust to the move. The family must navigate the challenges of restoring the zoo and dealing with the complexities of their new life together while trying to move past their grief.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Following the death of his wife, Benjamin Mee moves his children to a new home that includes a dilapidated zoo. While his son Dylan retreats into art and his daughter Rosie embraces the adventure, Benjamin works with head keeper Kelly Foster to reopen the zoo. Challenges arise when a tiger faces health issues and a strict inspector, Walter Ferris, demands expensive repairs. Benjamin eventually uses a bequeathed investment account to fund the repairs, leading to a rift with Dylan. However, after a heartfelt reconciliation, the family works together to prepare for the grand opening. Despite a storm and initial fears of low attendance, a fallen tree blocks the road, trapping a large crowd of fans outside. The opening is a success, and Benjamin and Kelly share a romantic moment. The film ends with Benjamin taking his children to a restaurant where he first met his late wife, finding peace in their shared memories.
- First release year
- 2011
- Runtime (minutes)
- 124
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Cameron Crowe
- Cast and characters
- Matt Damon · Benjamin Mee; Scarlett Johansson · Kelly Foster; Thomas Haden Church · Duncan Mee; Patrick Fugit · Robin Jones; Elle Fanning · Lily Miska; John Michael Higgins · Walter "Walt" Ferris; Colin Ford · Dylan Mee; Maggie Elizabeth Jones · Rosie Mee
- Genres
- comedy; drama
- Themes
- grief; family; new beginnings
- Tone and mood
- whimsical; sentimental
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; animal rights; dysfunctional families; widowhood
- Source material / true-story basis
- 2008 memoir by Benjamin Mee
- Reception
- The film received generally mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Matt Damon's performance while others criticized the script's sentimentality.
- Production trivia
- The film's zoo scenes were filmed at Greenfield Ranch in Hidden Valley, Thousand Oaks, California.; The real Benjamin Mee is British, while the film's character is American.; The film features a cameo by the real Benjamin Mee and his children.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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