We Bought a Zoo II: Movie Review

Trying to figure out whether to read the book or watch the movie first? Have you already seen the movie or read the book and are now wondering about its counterpart?

Well, I've got you covered, my friend. Here is the short version:
Benjamin Mee was a writer for "Do It Yourself" (DIY) articles and similar projects. Well into his adult life, he broke the mold and embarked on what many would find to be a crazy adventure that potentially put his family at risk - He moved away and quite literally threw all his chips in to purchase a home and a broken down zoo on the same property. This is a TRUE story, but of course some elements are changed in the interest of the film's creative license.
Let me answer the most likely questions (don't want to give away too much!) and then I'll toss in my personal opinion just for fun.

1. Is this a family friendly movie? Yep, no worries there.
2. What about just grownups?
Here's a little anecdote you mind find helpful when choosing how much this movie is worth your time: My husband is a firefighter/paramedic, and therefore never gets enough sleep. I purchased the movie without seeing it in the theaters, and we both expected him to sleep through it. Not only did he stay up to watch the entire film, he really enjoyed it!
3. Does the film stay true to the book? Close. A few things that are important to the book were changed, but just relax and you will find both versions of the story entertaining and maybe even inspirational.
4. I work/worked at a zoo, will I still like this? Yes. I have worked at a couple of zoos and have been involved in animal husbandry of some kind for over 10 years (and I don't mean caring for my cat). There are things we probably don't consider particularly responsible, but in both the book and film the well being of all animals is not only implied, but a vital piece in the development of the writer/character.

My Opinion: Pretty awesome on both accounts.
I am not a big Scarlett Johansson fan, and certainly did not think she could convince me of the conviction and care needed for this role, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Matt Damon just rocks, that's the truth. The greatest moment of irony: the little girl mentions Damon still has his hair, and the author Ben Mee is basically bald. This is a great example of the humor exhibited by the author in his book and the tone of the entire film.
So feel free to read it/watch it.  Enjoy it with your kids, spouse, or just take a moment to watch a fun picture that won't leave you depressed. You deserve it! Then, go a visit a REAL zoo!

-Callie

Book Review: We Bought a Zoo

I purchased We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee back in 2008 when the book was first published. It was one of those "I walked into the book store and there it was" kind of books. But being pregnant and worried about money, I didn't want to fork over the cash for a new hardback book. So instead, it went on my Christmas wish list. I actually got something I wanted that year - courtesy of my awesome husband. (although I must add the disclaimer that he is a pretty awesome gift giver when it comes to me... he can even pick my clothing size for things that I WANT to wear!)

Anyway, I was getting rotund and pregnancy brain (that is a technical term by the way) made it difficult for me to concentrate while reading. With a surprise baby on the way, it was even tougher to read things that had nothing to do with our impending addition to the family. But, ah, not with this particular book.

I was working at a zoo when I bought and read the book, thinking this would be some sort of "how-to" book on running a zoo. Notice the "A Memoir" in the upper right hand corner of the book's cover. NOT an instruction book. There is some irony there though, considering the author made his living as a writer of DIY (Do It Yourself) articles and the like. That does mean, however, that Benjamin Mee is very good at doing research and teaching himself something so that he may write about it and therefore teach someone else. That makes for very smooth and understandable writing.

It is a memoir, but with a beautiful story and setting, particularly for those with a love of animals. Let's face it, many more people love animals than people who actually get to work with animals first hand. So think of the author as someone who found a dream and literally dragged his entire family and their combined life savings into his adventure as well. There are children involved along with general family drama, but don't forget there are crazy animal stories too! Anyone who has had the wonderful opportunity to work with wild animals will have crazy stories to share, but I deeply enjoyed the sincerity and respect by the author to the facility and animals he purchased even though he lacked the formal knowledge of how to care for them.

If you have any doubts about this book, it is now a movie starring Matt Damon and directed by Cameron Crowe. I will actually have to get a sitter and go see this one in the theaters (a precious commodity these days with a 2-year old I assure you). It is set for release in December 2011. Hm, I see another another Christmas gift in the works?

The full price for the hardback copy was well worth the story and I still have it on my shelf. A friend in the zoo-world asked to borrow it and I simply bought her a copy of her own so I wouldn't have to wonder if I would ever get it back. Having said that it's time for the official review:

RATING: ~~~~1/2 waves (out of 5)

STRONGLY recommended for those who want to reach out of the world of fiction and check out a true story for a change without it being a scientific textbook, research based, or anything to do with politics or the price of oil.

I hope to get my time better organized and back on track with reviews, stories, and other interesting or entertaining tidbits.
Happy Mother's Day! So go hug your mom, send her flowers or something if you can't hug her, and if you have lost this opportunity altogether - do something special for that alternate "mom" in your life. Everybody has one!