We Bought A Zoo - 2011

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, LBI Entertainment, Vinyl Films

Directed by Cameron Crowe

Cast:

• Benjamin Mee – Matt Damon
• Dylan Mee – Colin Ford
• Rosie Mee – Maggie Elizabeth Jones
• Duncan Mee – Thomas Haden Church
• Kelly Foster – Scarlett Johansson
• Peter MacCready – Angus Macfayden
• Lily Miska – Elle Fanning
• Walter Ferris – John Michael Higgins

Story: Based on the true story of the Mee family who operate the Dartmoor Zoological Park in England, this touching story is a treat for the entire family and a must see for all Damon and Johansson fans who think their only abilities lie in beating people up. Benjamin Mee is a writer who lives to record adventures. His articles are published by a national paper, he has written a few books, and he is well known in the journalism community. But when he loses his wife, Katherine, his life begins to come apart. His brother, Duncan, is a practical man, an accountant who wants to help his brother, but Benjamin is looking for a new life. When Dylan becomes a problem in school, he must find a new place to live so his children can get back into school. As he and his daughter travel out with the real estate agent, they happen upon a closed down zoo, complete with animals and a staff. As they move in and begin to renovate, they discover things about themselves, and learn to deal with many of the issues between them. By the time they are ready to open, they have reunited as a family.

Review: Okay, so I don't review a whole lot of family films, but I am happy to make an exception here. This is a delightful, well thought out, and thoroughly enjoyable film that touches on some very sensitive subjects and shines like a beacon through it all. Matt Damon and Thomas Haden Church have a charisma which bonds them on the screen and helps the audience to identify with them as brothers. Damon's charm and gentle personality is disarming, and his ability to transcend the “Bourne” image shows just how capable and talented an actor he has become. Scarlett's role is equally challenging from past performances, particularly with her “Black Widow” persona about to be displayed across the big screen in the Avengers, but she plays the part of the zookeeper with a sensitivity that reaches off the screen and into your heart. Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, and Maggie Elizabeth Jones all give excellent performances in their roles as the younger generations dealing with the realities of loss, life, and just being kids. John Michael Higgins and Angus Macfayden lend an air of comedy with out going over the top, giving just the right tones to this impressive film. Since family films rarely make it to the Oscars, we probably won't see this one on the dais next year, but it is a shame, since the film is a testimony to great cinema. Rated PG for language and theme, I can't see why the preteens wouldn't enjoy this as well as the rest of the family. Definitely a collectible film, especially for fans of Matt, Scarlett, and just plain good theater.

The Descendants - 2011

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Ad Hominem Enterprises

Directed by Alexander Payne

Cast:

• Matt King – George Clooney
• Alexandra King – Shailene Woodley
• Scottie King – Amara Miller
• Sid – Nick Krause
• Brian Speer – Matthew Lillard
• Julie Speer – Judy Greer
• Cousin Hugh – Beau Bridges
• Cousin Milo – Michael Ontkean
• Scott Thorson – Robert Forster

Story: Matt King has a few decisions to make. Matt is a real estate broker in Hawaii, and he and his relatives are the direct descendants of King Kamehameha the first. His wife, Elizabeth, is in the hospital following a boating accident that has left her in a coma. His daughters are almost strangers to him. And he is the executor of a huge estate on the island of Oahu that is up for disposition. Some of the family wants to sell, some of the family is against the sale, but the law of perpetuity in Hawaii is changed and they will lose the land in seven years. Matt tries to do the best he can. His oldest daughter, Alexandra, is angry, and he doesn't know why. He assumes it is over his failure as a father, but she tells him it is because she discovered her mother was having an affair. Soon the doctor at the hospital tells Matt his wife will not wake up, and there is a DNR order on file for her, so he must find a way to let his daughters know their mother will soon die. Through all of this, Matt is obsessed with finding the man his wife was having an affair with, and strangely, the search leads to a reconnecting of Matt and his daughters.

Review: George Clooney continues to impress and amaze in this sometime sad, sometime delightful story of a father reuniting with his family. This role is reminiscent of his role in “One Fine Day” with Michelle Pfeiffer, but offers a little less wit and a little more maturity. Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller are excellent as the two daughters, with Shailene demonstrating a savvy wisdom in her delivery of lines most adults would find difficult. Robert Forster plays the wife's father, and he gives us an insight that most people would find rare, the father who trusts his son-in-law and cares for his wife at home in her battle with Alzheimer disease. All of the characters in this film are dealing with dramatic changes in their lives, and their interactions and decisions are really what we empathize with. This kind of film has to connect with the audience, and this one does an excellent job. Special hats off to Matthew Lillard, a young star of the past whose appearances have been fewer and fewer of late, and to Beau Bridges, who as Cousin Hugh reminds us that we all have a Cousin Hugh in the family. Rated R for language and sexual references, I think most families will agree this is a film for the teens, especially for families who have had to deal with loss. Definitely collectible for Clooney fans.