Jan 21, 2012 12:47 PM
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This is one movie which warms up your family weekend. It has got a Visionary Director in Crowe who directed Jerry McGuire earlier . It has got am amazing story-line, great music and great dialogue.
The movie starts with Matt Damon struggling to cope with his recent bereavement of losing his wife just six months back. His 7 year old daughter is mature beyond her years and his son, 14 year old Dylan is a silent rebel. He confidently states that school teachers can never fail a boy whose mom died six months ago. Every street corner and shops remind Matt of his wife and he is helped by his Accountant elder brother, who advises him to move on. His ideas in office are well received but too bold to be implemented. Things take a Volta face when Dylan is expelled on charges of stealing, this being his 4th palpable offense. Matt sees for the first time the dark arts his son creates on walls.
Damon wants a fresh start and looks around for houses. The perfect one amid lush fields has a tiny problem. It is a Zoo and owner must purchase the Zoo with all the species and humans. Damon is hesitant but his daughter's happiness confirms his decision. He intends to move in there and renovate the zoo, before opening it on 7th July. The zoo personnel include charismatic Scar Jo as Kelly, the head zookeeper, Lily, her teenage cousin and a string of other colorful characters, all expert with animals. Dylan resents the move away from city as does Damon's brother but Damon still goes ahead.
The challenges facing Damon as he faces a financial struggle to renovate the place and his emotional tussle to hold his family together despite his bereavement is the crux of the movie. Odd incidents like snakes or grizzlies running free keeps the viewer gripped. There are no dull moments. Kelly and Damon come closer together but that is left to the subtle imagination of the viewer.
Dylan also has mixed feelings for Lily but his reserved nature drives her away. A deposit left by his wife pulls out Damon from massive crisis and the whole zoo acts like one big family in time for the opening. Magnifying this crisis is the unfavorable report of the Federal inspector. By the time the zoo is opened all problems are satisfactorily resolved. Damon finds the strength to bond with his family with some help from Kelly and an old tiger. Dylan expresses his love for Lily and they find closure. On the final inspection the lion's cage is jammed and they sort it out just in time.
The zoo receives a great opening and that day also sees a new dawn in a romantic liaison between Kelly and Damon. He eventually moves on and shows his children where and how he met their mother.
He says all it takes is 20 seconds of courage to set everything right. All characters in this film have that courage and their determination makes this film so heart warming. This is a must watch family movie. I will definitely buy the DVD.
