San Diego Reader

Ben Mee (Matt Damon) leaves print journalism to buy and run a small zoo. Scarlett Johansson, looking safari bronzed, is the main animal keeper. The critters are delightful, and the winsome cast includes infallibly funny Thomas Haden Church, delightful teen Elle Fanning, and adorable mascot Maggie Elizabeth Jones. Drawn from Mees’s British memoir but shot around L.A., Cameron Crowe’s movie is like vintage Disney newly glazed, but it’s still engaging. The endless mourning for Ben’s late wife (filmed like a heavenly Breck girl) is a weak reach for substance. 2011.

— David Elliott

• View trailer
• Rated PG | 2 hours, 4 minutes
• Official website

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