We Bought a Zoo Review - 3 Stars

Matt Damon stars as a husband grieving the death of his wife who buys a broken down animal park and moves his family to these unfamiliar surroundings. Cameron Crowe (best known for “Jerry mcGuire” and “Almost Famous” two of my favorites) directs this story and adds an extra dimension.  Scarlett Johansson plays the chief gamekeeper worried about the animals and the park’s future.  Of course you can guess the gang has a hard time at first but bonds and ultimately work together. The trailer makes this look like a cheesy Disney style story, but the movie rises above that.  Scenes during the story and toward the end as Damon explains to his children his love for their departed mother have a truthfulness that I found moving.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Family story better than expected.  Is it entertaining?  Surprisingly so.  Is it worth the price of admission?  Nice PG rated family fare.