We Bought A Zoo the next great family film

Cameron Crowe returns to Hollywood after a six-year hiatus to create "We Bought A Zoo", which can only be described as a fun-loving, whimsical film that the whole family will enjoy. The heartwarming tale is reminiscent of Crowe's earlier screenplays and graciously displays the kindred spirit of the upcoming holidays. Lead actor, Matt Damon, displays just the right amount of compassion, conflict, and perseverance to bring the film full circle with his soulful performance.

Opening day for "We Bought A Zoo" will kick off the holidays on December 23. Fox Studios held stealthy, sneak-peak screenings nationwide, the Saturday after Thanksgiving in order to increase word of mouth before it's official release. Though Crowe's films are typically aimed towards an older, more mature audience, those who enjoyed Fox's holiday release of "Marley and Me" in 2008, will not be disappointed.

The film is a loose adaption of Benjamin Mee's memoir, which was originally based in England. Screenplay writer Aline Brosh McKenna made many slight changes, including, moving the family just outside of Los Angeles in Southern California.

The film takes place shortly after Mee's wife (Stephanie Szosak) passes away from a brain tumor. Benjamin (Damon) is desperate to give his children, teenager Dylan (Colin Ford) and 7-year-old Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) a fresh start, somewhere new, outside of the city.

Benjamin ends up spending his entire inheritance on a dilapidated zoo, 19 miles from the nearest town, despite his brother Duncan's (Thomas Haden Church) feelings on the matter. The zoo comes equipped with over 200 species of animals and a staff of diverse characters including the head zookeeper, Kelly (Scarlet Johansen), Robin, (Patrick Fugit) who literally, carries a monkey on his back, and Kelly's cousin, Lilly (played by the quirky and vibrant, Elle Fanning). The characters come together for one cause, to pass inspection and re-open the zoo, but this doesn't happen easily. There are a few hiccups, including a runaway bear and a faulty lock on the lion's cage.

Crowe's love of music transforms this family film into a capricious work of emotion by incorporating composer Jonsi's (of Icelandic band Sigur Rós) iridescent and modern style with that of well-known classics. The music accompanying the close up shots of the animals paired with the warm lighting, gives the scenes depth and helps the audience feel what the characters are feelings.

Though Crowe only seems to go in-depth with Benjamin, the chemistry between the cast is strong and believable. Benjamin is a struggling single father whose main goal in life is for his family to be happy. This goal seems unfathomable for his son Dylan, who is the typical, angsty teenager, affected most by his mother's death. He in-turn, frequently lashes out at his father, but attempts to find happiness with his newfound crush, Lilly. Rosie is night and day from her brother as, daddy's little girl, with a love for animals and an unbreakable spirit. Kelly is intelligent and focused, though interested in Benjamin, she cares more about the zoo and its inhabitants to really pursue him.

The film has something for everyone from emotion and struggle to joy perseverance and to quote Damon's character, "It has lots of cool animals too." Though slightly predictable, the movie is guaranteed to tug on some heartstrings and even produce a few tears but will undeniably leave the audience feeling sentimental and possibly in the mood to buy a zoo of their own.