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Nordling Says Cameron Crowe's WE BOUGHT A ZOO Is A Warm Embrace Of A Movie!
Nordling here.
If there's any consistent theme to the terrific family films we got this year (and that's excepting crap like ZOOKEEPER or THE SMURFS or the upcoming CHIPMUNKS film, movies that I'm not not going to bother with and will likely never see) it's that this is the year of the Death of Cynicism. Even this summer's SUPER 8 is about the drive of a kid to make his movie and to heal the relationship with his father, and it's done in a manner and a tone that seems innocent by today's standards. Films like HUGO, or THE MUPPETS all comment on how much the world has changed and what it would take to bring that idealism back. I'm an idealist by nature, so all these films have their place in my heart. The result is, at least for me, a truly superlative year of family entertainment, one that I don't think has been rivaled since 1982.
Cameron Crowe's WE BOUGHT A ZOO falls right into that perfectly. Crowe's never been a cynic eith his movies anyway, so it's no surprise that WE BOUGHT A ZOO is as heartwarming and as sentimental as it is. Crowe's films have a real danger of overtipping the scale when it comes to heavy emotion - see ELIZABETHTOWN for that - but it take a very skilled filmmaker to know how to manipulate the audience while not showing the gears of the machinery that does it. Steven Spielberg is a master of that, and now, Cameron Crowe is too.
Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is a journalist who travels the world getting interesting stories and seeing interesting people. He's something of a danger junkie and he loves his work, but all of that comes to a screeching halt when his wife takes ill and dies, leaving Benjamin with full-of-life 7-year--old Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) and angry-at-the-world 13-year-old Dylan (Colin Ford). After Dylan gets expelled from his school Benjamin decides to change the scenery a bit and move out of Los Angeles. When out houseshopping with a realtor the Mees come across a property that seems to go for less than its worth and that has a full working zoo on the premises, complete with a skeleton staff.
But once Benjamin sees his daughter completely happy on the new property, he knows that he has to buy this property, and in the meantime try to heal some of the damage that his kids suffered. Benjamin's brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church) knows Benjamin is stuck in a funk and needs to shake up his life, but what he doesn't expect is for Benjamin to spend his dad's inheritance on the zoo.
The zoo is full of eccentric personalities like Angus Macfadyen's MacReady, the designer of the zoo enclosures, or Patrick Fugit's Robin, who always has a capuchin monkey on his shoulder, but they don't overwhelm the film. This is Benjamin's story and the film wisely stays focused on him and his family. The head zookeeper, Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson), at first, thinks Benjamin will cut and run like so many other owners, but she is surprised by his resolve and quickly warms up to him and his family. As Benjamin's finances sink deeper into debt, and the responsibilities grow, Benjamin must juggle the needs of the zoo and his family with his personal need to let go of his past.
Matt Damon is exceptional as Benjamin. This is a particularly difficult job to pull off in a family film like this - he's the center of the film, and the audience's host to the emotional journey of WE BOUGHT A ZOO and Damon sells all the sentiment completely. One particular sequence, as Benjamin is looking over some photos of his wife on his laptop, comes perilously close to over-the-top but it's Damon and the gifted work of Crowe and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto that bring it back from being too cloying. Scarlett Johansson is also quite good - Kelly Foster may lack social skills because she prefers the animals to the complicated minefield of human relationships, but she navigates that minefield to be a part of Benjamin's life. Elle Fanning (having a good year with this and SUPER 8) plays Lily, an underage employee who falls for Dylan the city kid, and it wouldn't be a Cameron Crowe movie unless there was a sweeping romantic gesture done in the rain, but both Fanning and Ford make it work. The song choices in the film of course work - this is a Cameron Crowe movie, after all - and the score by Sigur Ros frontman Jónsi is quite effective in working the emotions over a bit.
Some people will respond favorably to the sentiment dislayed in WE BOUGHT A ZOO. Crowe's films always tend to skew more romantic than cynical - ALMOST FAMOUS comes closest, in documenting the world of a rock-and-roll touring band, of being the most pragmatic of his films - and WE BOUGHT A ZOO is no exception. Some people will respond with disdain, thinking that Crowe overplays his hand. I'll admit to the film, for me, coming dangerously close to doing that. Some will consider the entire film too calculated towards a response from the audience. But it's the performances and the writing that makes it work for me, and I'll admit to tearing up a few times.
I tend to respond to movies like this - that's part of why I'm such a Spielberg junkie - and movies to me are not simple intellectual exercises but emotional journeys, and that's a large part of why I enjoyed WE BOUGHT A ZOO as much as I did. I tend to think the audiences who see this will respond that way as well - I heard quite a few sniffles in my screening, and resounding applause at the end - and I don't anticipate seeing Crowe make any kind of exploration into the darker recesses of humanity like, say, THERE WILL BE BLOOD or SHAME any time soon. But I think Crowe believes in what he's selling. He wants to live in an age without cynicism, and his movies reflect that. And sometimes, that's enough to make a film feel true and honest, and not manipulative. WE BOUGHT A ZOO is yet another terrific family film in a year stock full of them, and a heartfelt gift this holiday season.
Nordling, out.
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Nov 27, 2011 8:39:51 AM CST
This year HAS been oversaturated with family films....and dreck like The War Horse and Tin Tin still await us
by bobo_vision
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ive never read any sentence that turned me off of a movie faster than calling it a "warm embrace of a movie". barf!
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Nov 27, 2011 8:56:13 AM CST
They lost me at 'From the Director of Jerry McGuire'.
by joaquin_ondamoon
I haven't cared about Cameron Crowe directing a movie since...well...ever.
Totally agree PJ's comment: 'Warm embrace of a movie' sounds like 'steaming pile of crap'.
Cynicism is alive and well here at AICN. -
that even if this movie is full of necrophilia, it probably won't be up to the high standards i have cum to expect... ha ha ha, see what i did there? alright, time to go back to masturbating into a jar of peanut butter...
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of incredible boredom...
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liquid shit
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a long time to air out.
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But the trailer kind of makes me want to see it. At least it's not Zookeeper.
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Nov 27, 2011 10:10:59 AM CST
ScarJo as the hottest antisocial zookeeper on Earth? Mmmkay...
by tylerzero
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Nov 27, 2011 10:12:59 AM CST
Next weekend let's all go see We Bought A Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
by goldentribe
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I enjoy Crowes stuff but she just brings everything down.. and I cannot imagine Damon helping her sell this as he is hit and miss.
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Nov 27, 2011 11:16:50 AM CST
Cum-Drunk Execs Cease Blowing Each Other Just Long Enough To Green-Light This Piece of Shit
by potsmokinalien
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Nov 27, 2011 11:22:57 AM CST
Marketing Staff Holds Impromptu Circle Jerk, Christens Semen-Drenched Carpet Square "The poster for WE BOUGHT A ZOO"
by potsmokinalien
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Dude is NOT aging well. I can't figure out what's happening to him. Sure, he's put on a few pounds, but that doesn't explain how unrecognizably weird Damon is starting to look. Maybe it's because he always had such a baby face that age isn't agreeing with him?
I don't know what it is, but I can't stop saying, "I can't believe that's Matt Damon!" whenever he's on the screen. -
Nov 27, 2011 11:54:06 AM CST
manatee - I kinda see what you mean. My theory?
by welcometothepartypal
all those years of smoking. i quit about 4 years ago and all those people I hung out with and still smoke are starting to like shit. I don't know if Damon quit or whatever, but just my 2 cents.
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Nov 27, 2011 12:02:36 PM CST
Anyone else almost confuse Matt Damon with Mark Wahlberg? I do it all the time.
by kamaji
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They do have something in common. My ex-girlfriend called it "Good Looks".
Bitch. -
Nov 27, 2011 1:50:43 PM CST
I had to clean someone's runny diahrrea off a restroom toilet seat at work today...
by nasty in the pasty
...and yet I'd rather do that again than sit through this.
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What did they do to Scarlett on the poster? Looks like the twilight werewolf guy.
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Nov 27, 2011 2:08:24 PM CST
bobpvision has said it best. alot of "dreck" yet to come
by idrankyourmilkshake2
Gimme prometheus. Its been a long, shit year for films. Immortals was fun and DRIVE was absolutely amazing. Otherwise, all the films this year are turd.
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But then, I'm a bit of a sap, and love Cameron Crowe's work. He is a master of warm and fuzzy films, and this is no exception. If you know you don't like this kind of movie, its not going to work for you. Sometimes, I love giving in to a sentimental film "like they used to make.".
And for those thinking Scarlett wouldn't be good in this, I thought this was one of her most natural roles. She has great chemistry with Damon.
Fun, enjoyable, heartwarming flick that played me for 2 hours, and I loved it for it. -
Nov 27, 2011 2:24:27 PM CST
They bought a zoo, but I didn't buy a ticket to go see their movie.
by haterofcrap
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Nov 27, 2011 2:28:17 PM CST
i almost saw this last night, but decided to wait to see it with my wife
by antonphd
we are most decidedly not cynics. we're probably too idealistic for our own good. but you only live once, so, fuck it. i'll error on the side that makes me feel happy.
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Nov 27, 2011 2:29:05 PM CST
Oh look. The majority of Ain't It Cool posters are self-conscious pussies. I am going to watch this and more than likely enjoy it.
by zendavis
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Nov 27, 2011 2:38:50 PM CST
NORDLING, the protagonist of SUPER 8 is NOT the kid making the movie
by daniel_s_duvall
Mind the details. In Super 8, the kid healing his relationship with his father is the friend of the dude who is directing the super 8 zombie epic.
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A Spielberg movie where there's a strained father/son relationship? Teh hell you say!
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Saw this on a whim last night at the advanced showing, having heard nothing about it. I think the red kites are around when I lost it, and I was still sniffling through the credits. The true stamp of genius for idealistic, romantic directors like Spielberg and Crowe is their ability to make you fully aware that you are being manipulated, but also make you not care. This is one of my favorite films of the year, and I am not at all ashamed, despite what the majority of this talkback says.
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I dont think u mentioned him enough
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Go away for a couple of years.
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Saw it in New York last night with a sold out crowd. I'll admit to being a Cameron Crowe fanboy. Loved Almost Famous to pieces. You go see Crowe movies for the characters and the scripts. And the music. Movie hit all the right notes. And had some really sweet moments of emotional payoffs. And one moment of pure cinematic magic. When Damon is looking at the photo album that comes to life. And the camera stays on him and in his glasses is the reflection of the scene playing before him. That's when I lost it. That was his moment of joy and mine.
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Saccharine bullshit ovedose!!
You know what? That does it! Fuck Cameron Crowe! So far i had been tolerant of his melodrama bullshit because there was still enough good in his movies to counter-ballance. But now.., fuck it!
Fuck Cameron Crowe up his fuclking ass! Welcome to my hackass list, Mr Cameron. Enjoy your stay. Fucking ass! -
Nov 28, 2011 6:33:23 AM CST
Yes, because fucking SUPER 8 is such an example of the power and magic of cinema!!!
by asimovlives
Fucking Jar Jar Abrams ass-kissers!
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Nov 28, 2011 6:35:34 AM CST
I rather see cynicism ON screen in the movie's story then to see cynicism in the filmmaking and the filmmakers of the movie.
by asimovlives
Saccharine bullshit like this movie is the second kind i wrote above. Fuck that kind. I'd rather see a movie that's openly cynical, it's more true that way. IDES OF MARCH over this saccharine crap anyday!
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Nov 28, 2011 6:37:12 AM CST
ALMOST FAMOUS, the story of a poor sap who felt inlove with the most retard dumbest bitch to ever be put in a movie.
by asimovlives
That movie is picture perfect image of cinematic banality.
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Nov 28, 2011 7:38:44 AM CST
Matt Damon and Scarlett Jonahssen Collected A Paycheck: The Movie
by asimovlives
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Nov 28, 2011 7:40:01 AM CST
"The true stamp of genius for idealistic, romantic directors like Spielberg and Crowe is their ability to make you fully aware that you are being manipulated, but also make you not care."
by asimovlives
No, not really. You are missing the mark there, friend.
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Good write-up, Nordling. I have a good feeling about this movie.
As for the rest of you, I'm sure THE SITTER will be right up your alleys.
"It was me. I sharted." Oh, my sides! -
Now that's a topical film I'd like to see!
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Nov 28, 2011 10:50:33 AM CST
"I'm almost choking from the cynicism in the air here." Oh poor thing!
by asimovlives
Have a glass of water.
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Ireland and Italy should come next.
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Nov 28, 2011 12:11:00 PM CST
I think you guys are just moody because your balls haven't dropped. Haha.
by zendavis
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Rent it. As much as I dig CC's romantic tendencies, I hate Damon, but I HATE cynism worse and I hate cynics because they are laughable, miserable people with no point, no purpose and no sense of humor. Wasted crybabies with shattered dreams... haha.
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No, they nailed it. It's called having a heart and soul.
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Nov 28, 2011 12:49:44 PM CST
So The War Horse is being slammed now without seeing it first?
by zodnotgod
WOW! Some of you miserable freaks really take the damn cake!
WAY TO GO DOUCHEBAGS! WAY TO GO! -
The cynical lot is not just here on the talkbackers, I see it everyday at my work. Losers who refuse to change whatever is making them unhappy. Instead, they’ll complain, bitch, moan, and wonder aloud, “What should I do?” when you offer advice, they take umbrage to your suggestions.
They don’t want suggestions, they want pity, they want a shoulder to cry on and continue in their stupid, emotional destruction.
If they are not the noisy complainers, they internalize and take their rage out on everyone in their path with their negative, sarcastic remarks, hateful spiels, backstabbing tactics. So angry are they with their desperate lives, they hate everything.
Same for the Geeks that frequent this site, no longer easy to please or willing to be pleased, it’s two extremes; the best thing ever or the worst of all time and if you happen to fall on either side to disagree- you are stupid, dumb, the worst thing ever…
They have no life to be proud of so they prop their cinematic Gods up to unspeakably heights only to feel betrayed when they dare show human flaws and make a perceived mistake. Pathetic.
I hate all you cynical fuckers, I really do!
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Ironic, isn't it?
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...and therefore you become the very thing you loathe.
Will there be a montage of naked cell pics of Scar-Jo over the credits?
Count me in! -
It looks like a generic pharmaceuticals ad, like something you'd see advertising Lipitor or something.
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Nov 28, 2011 8:59:08 PM CST
Crowe apparently hasnt directed anything noteworthy in 20 years
by sunwukong86
Seriously, using Jerry Maguire on the poster?
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