We Bought a Zoo
Theatrical release poster
Directed by | Cameron Crowe
Produced by | Cameron Crowe Marc Gordon Julie Yorn
Screenplay by | Aline Brosh McKenna Cameron Crowe
Based on | We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee
Starring | Matt Damon Scarlett Johansson Thomas Haden Church Patrick Fugit Colin Ford Elle Fanning Angus Macfadyen Peter Riegert Maggie Elizabeth Jones
Music by | J?n ??r Birgisson
Cinematography | Rodrigo Prieto
Editing by | Mark Livolsi
Studio | Vinyl Films
Distributed by | 20th Century Fox
Release dates | December 23, 2011 (2011-12-23)
Running time | 124 minutes
Country | United States
Language | English
Budget | $50?million[1]
Box office | $120,081,841[2]

This article is about the 2011 film. For the book by the same name, see We Bought a Zoo (book).

We Bought a Zoo is a 2011 Comedy-drama/family film based on the 2008 memoir of the same name by Benjamin Mee. The film is directed by Cameron Crowe, and stars Matt Damon as the lead character. It tells the story of Mee and his family who just moved into a dilapidated zoo and took on the challenge of preparing the zoo for its reopening to the public.

We Bought a Zoo was released in the U.S. box office on December 23, 2011.[3] The film received mostly positive reception from film critics, and grossed a total of $120?million.

## Plot[edit]

Recently widowed Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon), still grieving his loss, starts life over by buying a large house with a zoo in the back. Although reluctant to take on a zoo and all of its animals, he decides to give it a try, daughter, Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones), but causing his 14-year-old son, Dylan (Colin Ford), to unhappily retreat into his artwork (drawings and paintings which have grown more macabre since the death of his mother). The zoo staff, led by head keeper, Kelly (Scarlett Johansson), help Benjamin to start renovating the zoo. Benjamin soon runs into financial trouble, however, and the workers' morale sinks, fearing the property will be sold. Meanwhile, Dylan befriends a young girl named Lily (Elle Fanning), who has a huge crush on him to which he is completely oblivious. When she tells him that his family might be leaving, he is overjoyed, which hurts her feelings.

Benjamin discovers that his late wife has left him an investment account with instruction to use the money wisely while listening to his heart. While this lifts the zoo workers' morale, Dylan is unhappy about having to stay. He confronts his father, and a heated argument ensues. They reconcile the next morning, and Dylan admits he misses Lily. Benjamin gives his son advice on reconciling with her.

Prior to the zoo's grand opening, the facility passes a very stringent inspection, and Dylan, following his father's advice, confesses to Lily that he loves her and she forgives him.

The worst rainstorm in over 100 years threatens to wash out the zoo's grand opening, and although the weather clears in time, they are disappointed when no visitors arrive. They soon discover that a fallen tree has blocked the access road. Scrambling over the tree, Benjamin discovers a huge crowd of waiting visitors, who then swarm around the tree and pour into the zoo. Eventually, the zoo is well received by the community. Kelly admits to Benjamin that she has a crush on him but, "can't get a handle on it." She kisses him, telling him maybe they can do that again on the New Year's eve. Benjamin replies by kissing her and telling her that he is looking forward to New Year's Eve.

At the end, Benjamin takes his children to where he met their mother, explaining that it was the point in both of their lives where they became a "possibility". He takes them through that day's encounter, where Benjamin worked up the nerve to talk to his future wife with "20 seconds of courage," asking her why such an amazing woman would talk to someone like him. His wife responds, "Why not?", echoing the reason why Benjamin bought the zoo in the first place.

## Cast[edit]

- Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee, the father of Dylan and Rosie Mee and the owner of the zoo, who is trying to restart his life after his wife dies.[4]
- Scarlett Johansson as 28-year old Kelly Foster, the lead zookeeper and long-time employee at Rosemoor Animal Park.
- Thomas Haden Church as Duncan Mee,[5] the accountant older brother of Benjamin Mee.
- Colin Ford as Dylan Mee,[6] the 14-year old son of Benjamin Mee, who is initially drawn to Lily and eventually develops feelings for her.
- Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Rosie Mee, the 7-year old daughter of Benjamin Mee, who is very curious about all of the animals in the zoo and thinks living at a zoo is a grand adventure.
- Angus Macfadyen as Peter MacCready, the carpenter of the zoo who had made many innovative enclosures for the zoo, and he claims that his ideas were "stolen" by Walter Ferris. Because of this, he has a huge and violent grudge against Walter.
- Elle Fanning as Lily Miska,[7] the 13-year old home-schooled cousin of Kelly and worker at the zoo's restaurant who lives within the zoo. Although she is too young to legally work, she is paid "under the table" out of her cousin's salary. She likes Dylan (who is unaware) at first, but later gives up after Dylan doesn't listen to her and unintentionally hurts her feelings. After Dylan apologizes and tells her his feelings for her, she forgives him and they resume their friendship.
- Patrick Fugit as Robin Jones; he is the zoo's craftsman and has a pet monkey. [7]
- John Michael Higgins as Walter Ferris, a strict zoo inspector who earns the dislike of many people.
- Carla Gallo as Rhonda Blair, the secretary and bookkeeper of the zoo.
- J.B. Smoove as Mr. Stevens, the Mee family's real estate agent.
- Stephanie Szostak as Katherine Mee, the deceased wife of Benjamin Mee.
- Desi Lydic as Shea Seger, a woman with an obvious crush on Benjamin who always brings him lasagna.
- Peter Riegert as Delbert McGinty, Benjamin's boss before he 'starts over'.
- Michael Panes as the Principal
- Kym Whitley as Eve the Home Depot Clerk

## Production[edit]

### Development[edit]

In May 2010, Cameron Crowe agreed to direct the 20th Century Fox adaptation of Benjamin Mee's memoir We Bought a Zoo.[8] He then began rewriting the film's script, which was originally written by Aline Brosh McKenna.[8] This was the first film that was directed by Crowe since the 2005 film Elizabethtown.[8] The film was released on December 23, 2011.[8]

### Casting[edit]

Crowe traveled to the set of the film True Grit to persuade actor Matt Damon to take on the role of the lead character in the film.[1] Crowe also presented a script of the film, a CD of songs that Crowe composed himself, and a copy of the 1983 film Local Hero, with instructions "to not just read the script and make a decision".[1] Damon was persuaded to play the role after he was moved by Crowe's music and found that Local Hero was a "masterpiece".[1] As for Crowe himself, he had already decided on Damon halfway through their meeting, though the distributor Fox still had a shortlist of candidates to play this role.[1]

## Soundtrack[edit]

We Bought A Zoo
Soundtrack album by J?nsi
Released | December 9, 2011
Recorded | 2011
Genre | Ambient, Alternative rock, Soundtrack
Length | 51:12
Label | Columbia Records
Producer | Mr POO

In August 2011, it was announced that Icelandic musician J?n ??r "J?nsi" Birgisson, the lead singer of the band Sigur R?s, would be composing the music scores for We Bought a Zoo.[9] Director Crowe described the choice as "only natural", since "J?nsi has been a part of the making of We Bought A Zoo from the very beginning".[9]

The song Gathering Stories was on the shortlist of 39 songs that have a chance of being nominated for Best Original Song Oscar at the 84th Academy Awards.[10] This song was co-written by Jonsi Birgisson and Cameron Crowe.[10]

While the official CD release of the movie soundtrack only includes music by J?n ??r "J?nsi" Birgisson and Sigur R?s,[11] the complete soundtrack of the film included a variety of artists.[12]

### Track listing[edit]

No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
1. | "Why Not?" | J?nsi | 4:49
2. | "?vin Endar" | J?nsi | 3:32
3. | "Boy Lilikoi" | J?nsi | 4:29
4. | "Sun" | J?nsi | 1:50
5. | "Brambles" | J?nsi | 2:24
6. | "Sinking Friendships" | J?nsi | 4:42
7. | "We Bought a Zoo" | J?nsi | 4:21
8. | "Hopp?polla" | Sigur R?s | 4:30
9. | "Sn?risendar" | J?nsi | 2:43
10. | "Sink Ships" | J?nsi | 2:21
11. | "Go Do" | J?nsi | 4:41
12. | "Whole Made of Pieces" | J?nsi | 2:47
13. | "Humming" | J?nsi | 2:33
14. | "First Day" | J?nsi | 1:40
15. | "Gathering Stories" | J?nsi | 3:56

### Tracks not on soundtrack[edit]

- "Don't Come Around Here No More" ? Tom Petty The Heartbreakers
- "Do It Clean" ? Echo The Bunnymen
- "Airline To Heaven" ? Wilco
- "Don't Be Shy" ? Cat Stevens
- "Living With The Law" ? Chris Whitley
- "Last Medicine Dance" ? Mike McCready
- "Buckets of Rain" ? Bob Dylan
- "I'm Open" ? Eddie Vedder
- "No Soy Del Valle" ? Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno
- "Like I Told You" ? Acetone
- "Ashley Collective" ? Mike McCready
- "For A Few Dollars More" ? The Upsetters
- "Hunger Strike" ? Temple Of The Dog
- "Mariachi El Bronx" ? Mariachi El Bronx
- "Haleakala Sunset" ? CKsquared
- "Cinnamon Girl" (Live) ? Neil Young
- "Holocene" ? Bon Iver
- "Throwing Arrows" ? Mike McCready
- "Work To Do" ? The Isley Brothers
- "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)" ? Otis Rush
- "I Think It's Going To Rain Today" ? Randy Newman

## The real zoo[edit]

There are a number of differences between the story shown in the movie and the events that actually transpired. The real Benjamin Mee is British. The story was adapted for an American audience and the changes were met with Mee's approval.[13] The actual zoo Mee bought is Dartmoor Zoological Park, located in Devon, England,[14] while the fictional zoo in the film is called Rosemoor Wildlife Park, and is located in California.

In real life, Benjamin's wife, Katherine, died after they had already bought the zoo and moved in.[14] In the film, Benjamin bought the zoo only after her death. Also, instead of an escaping bear, as portrayed by the film, it was a jaguar called Sovereign that had escaped.[14] Additionally, Benjamin's children were younger (aged four and six respectively) than the children in the film.[14]

In the film, the zoo was much easier to buy. In real life, it took almost two years to buy.[14] Benjamin's first offer to buy the zoo was rejected due to his lack of experience in the zoological world.[14] Finally, the real zoo opened on Saturday July 7, 2007. However, the movie moved that event up to the same date in 2010, maybe to make the story more current. This latter date fell on a Wednesday, but was identified in the script as the original Saturday.

## Reception[edit]

### Critical reception[edit]

The film has received mostly positive reviews from critics. The film received a rating of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.[15] Of the 147 reviewers surveyed, 98 of them certified the film as "fresh" while 49 of them certified it as "rotten".[15] Metacritic gave the film a rating of 58%, with 37 reviews sampled.[16]

Roger Ebert, reviewing for the Chicago Sun-Times, awarded the film 2.5 stars out of 4, describing the film as "too much formula and not enough human interest."[17] He added that the film's "pieces go together too easily, the plot is too inevitable, and we feel little real energy between the players.".[17] However, he did praise Damon, whom he says "makes a sturdy and likable Benjamin Mee".[17] The New York Times reviewer Manohla Dargis criticized Crowe's direction, writing that it "makes the escalating tension between Benjamin and Dylan the story's soft center," while keeping "the brutality of illness and death" "safely off-screen".[18] She also noted that the film uses "classic movie logic", specifically pointing out the way that Benjamin quits his job and that he "doesn't agonize about how he'll keep his children housed, fed and clothed".[18] On the other hand, Dargis wrote that "you may not buy his [Cameron's] happy endings, but it's a seductive ideal when all of God's creatures, great and small, buxom and blond, exist in such harmony."[18]

The Hollywood Reporter commented that the "uplifting tale [the film] has heart, humanity and a warmly empathetic central performance from Matt Damon", although it "doesn't dodge the potholes of earnest sentimentality and at times overplays the whimsy".[19] The reviewer also praised the cast, describing them as "solid", and in particular praised Damon's character, whose struggle he says "gives the movie a soulful pull, even at its most predictable".[19] Overall, this reviewer summarized his review by saying that "Cameron Crowe's film has some rough edges, but it ultimately delivers thanks to Matt Damon's moving performance.".[19]

### Box office[edit]

We Bought a Zoo grossed a total of $2,984,875 on its opening day in the U.S. box office, making it the sixth highest grossing film that weekend.[2] It subsequently earned $14,604,645 in its first four days of screening. Overall, the film grossed $75,624,550 in North America and $37,764,426 internationally for a worldwide total of $113,388,976.[2]

### Home media[edit]

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released We Bought a Zoo on DVD and Blu-ray on April 3, 2012.

### Accolades[edit]

Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
2011 | Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards[20] | Best Live Action Family Film |  | Nominated
2012 | Teen Choice Awards[21] | Choice Movie: Drama |  | Nominated
Choice Movie Actor: Drama | Matt Damon | Nominated
Choice Movie Actress: Drama | Scarlett Johansson | Nominated

## See also[edit]

- Dartmoor Zoological Park

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e Masters, Kim (2011-11-22). "Cameron Crowe Returns With 'We Bought a Zoo'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
2. ^ a b c "We Bought a Zoo". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
3. ^ Rich, Katey (2010-05-17). "Cameron Crowe Commits To We Bought A Zoo For Late 2011 Release". Cinema Blend. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
4. ^ Harris, Scott (2010-06-24). "Matt Damon May Lead Cameron Crowe's 'We Bought a Zoo'". Moviefone. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
5. ^ "Thomas Haden Church Joins 'Killer Joevbvb' 'We Bought A Zoo'". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
6. ^ Rawden, Mack (2010-10-20). "Colin Ford Cast As Matt Damon's Son In We Bought A Zoo". Cinema Blend. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
7. ^ a b Fleming, Mike (2010-11-09). "Cameron Crowe Taps His 'Almost Famous' Alter Ego For 'Zoo,' And Elle Fanning, Too". Deadline. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
8. ^ a b c d Kit, Borys (2010-05-17). "Cameron Crowe to direct 'Zoo'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
9. ^ a b Mariotti, Greg (2011-08-01). "Sigur R?s Frontman J?nsi Scoring We Bought A Zoo". The Uncool. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
10. ^ a b Chitwood, Adam (2011-12-19). "39 Songs Contend for Best Original Song Oscar; Nominees Include THE MUPPETS and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER". collider.com. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
11. ^ "We Bought A Zoo Soundtrack". 2011-11-03. Retrieved 2011-12-30.
12. ^ "We Bought A Zoo ? Complete Soundtrack". 2011-12-29. Retrieved 2011-12-30.
13. ^ "Ben sees Dartmoor Zoo rebuilt in Californian hills". This is Plymouth. 2011-07-23. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
14. ^ a b c d e f Mee, Benjamin (2007-06-23). "My Family Other Aanimals". The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-12-07.
15. ^ a b "We Bought a Zoo (2011) on [[Rotten Tomatoes]]". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2011-12-29. Wikilink embedded in URL title (help)
16. ^ "We Bought a Zoo on [[Metacritic]]". Metacritic. Retrieved 2011-12-29. Wikilink embedded in URL title (help)
17. ^ a b c Ebert, Roger (2011-12-21). "We Bought a Zoo review". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
18. ^ a b c Dargis, Manohla (2011-12-22). "A Modern-Day Ark, With Children, Animals and Even Romance". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
19. ^ a b c Rooney, David. "We Bought a Zoo: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2011-12-30.
20. ^ "The Artist Tops Phoenix Film Critics Awards". Retrieved July 15, 2012.
21. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2012: 'Breaking Dawn,' 'Snow White' Lead Second Wave of Nominees". Retrieved July 15, 2012.

## External links[edit]

- Official website
- API at the Internet Movie Database
- Dartmoor Zoological Park official website
- We Bought a Zoo at Box Office Mojo

Films directed by Cameron Crowe
Say Anything... (1989) Singles (1992) Jerry Maguire (1996) Almost Famous (2000) Vanilla Sky (2001) Elizabethtown (2005) Pearl Jam Twenty (2011) We Bought a Zoo (2011)