Don’t overlook Cameron Crowe’s film of We Bought A Zoo.
It’s surprisingly charming, and human, cinema, even if it does go on a bit…
Sometimes, the world forgets just how good a filmmaker Cameron Crowe is.
For instance, he can coax excellent performances out of younger actors.
Hes able to put across characters that you actually care about.
And hes capable of springing a bit of a surprise.
For most ofWe Bought A Zoo, though, Crowe pitches the material really very well.
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Whats less expected is just how engaging a human film this is.
Thats a description that does the film few favours, as its a largely positive piece of cinema.
Its got light humour, sure direction from Crowe, and its an easy film to enjoy.
But thats substance to it all, too.
It does have missteps, though, that really hurt it.
And then theres the character of Walter Ferris, played by John Michael Higgins.
Because, even appreciating that this is a Hollywood feature, everything else is buyable.
Scarlett Johansson as a head zookeeper?
Matt Damons migration to amiable Hollywood leading man?
Angus Macfadyens exaggerated Peter MacCready?
In different ways, I was rooting for each of them.
We Bought A Zoois a gentle, warming piece of cinema, likely to be passed over by many.
Thatd be a pity.
It tells it well, even if it does like to keep going a bit past its welcome.
Rating:
3 out of 5
