Wir kaufen einen Zoo (We Bought a Zoo)
U.S.A. 2011

Opening 3 May 2012

Directed by: Cameron Crowe
Writing credits: Aline Brosh McKenna, Cameron Crowe, Benjamin Mee
Principal actors: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Maggie Elizabeth Jones

Directed by Cameron Crowe with a screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, this fun, family comedy, based on a true story, stars Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

Adventure journalist Benjamin Mee (Damon) is a widower with two young children, haunted by the memory of his beloved wife. In an effort to make a new start, Mee decides to quit his job and move his family to a new home. The property he finally sets his heart on comes with an additional surprise: a bankrupt, 70.000 square meter animal park, as well as a small but dedicated team of zoo keepers headed by Kelly Foster (Johansson). Mee's older brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church) thinks Benjamin is making a big mistake, his daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) is delighted, and his young teenage son Dylan (Colin Ford) thinks it’s a disaster. Despite the unbelievable challenges at all levels, and with the support of the zoo keeping team, Mee sets out to turn the park around and into a success. It is no easy feat and at one point it seems like they have reached the end of the line and will have to admit failure; it is then that, unexpectedly, Mee’s deceased wife intervenes to save the day.

While inspired by a true story, many of the circumstances and relationships, as well as the location (the US as opposed to Britain), in the film differ significantly from the original; even so, the result is a charming and entertaining film that will make for an excellent, chuckle-filled family outing. (Osanna Vaughn)