In the six months since his wife died, writer Benjamin (Matt Damon) has juggled taking care of his two kids, deflecting advances from flustered single mums and figuring out how he's going to keep it all together.
It's time for a fresh start, so Ben and his daughter begin searching for a new home. After passing over a number of properties, they find the perfect place set in acres of fantastic, calming countryside. The only problem: it's a derelict zoo.
Against all advice, Ben purchases the building, complete with zebras, jaguars, a lion and a skeleton staff including beautiful Kelly (Scarlett Johansson). With the help of his older brother Duncan (Thomas Haden-Church), he's determined to get the zoo back on its feet and give his family something to be happy about.
We Bought A Zoo is shamelessly heart-warming fare, with an uplifting acoustic soundtrack and enjoyable comic touches. Cameron Crowe has taken the true story of British writer Benjamin Mee, transported it to California and added a good dose of joy and love. It's hard not to like Damon in his role as vulnerable and determined father in a feature that offers something for the whole family.
We Bought a Zoo is a Film programme that first aired in 2011 and has been classified a PG certificate.
