We Bought a Zoo dives into a true story about Benjamin Mee, a devoted single father who uses a rundown zoo as a fresh start for his family. The plan feels straightforward on paper: move, manage, and rebuild while giving his children a place to heal and dream again. But the day-to-day reality of caring for a menagerie is more demanding than anyone expects. Enclosures need fixing, routines must be established, and the bond between humans and animals grows into a living lesson about responsibility. The family discovers that every new corner of the zoo holds questions, surprises, and a way forward if they’re willing to listen to one another and to the animals who call the grounds home. Slowly, the fear of failure loosens its grip and courage takes its place, along with a shared sense of purpose that binds them through the chaos and the quiet moments alike.
Benjamin meets the challenge head on, juggling permits, budgets, and the delicate dance of keeping kids steady while the zoo comes back to life. He learns to ask for help from the people who know the landscape, the staff who keep the place functioning, and the wider community that watches, skeptically at first, then with growing respect. The children grow too, testing new boundaries and discovering strengths they didn’t know they had. Animals bring their own personalities into the family’s daily routine—some curious, some mischievous, some quietly noble—each encounter teaching resilience, patience, and a sense of wonder that makes the whole experiment feel possible. Through missteps and small triumphs alike, the Mee family finds a rhythm that fits their needs and reshapes how they see home, love, and the future.
Directed with a steady warmth by Cameron Crowe, the film blends humor with tenderness to create a tale that feels bright even when the plot tugs at the heart. The central performance, anchored by the lead actor, gives life to a story about renewal that feels earned rather than contrived. The script invites laughter and tears in roughly equal measure, never shying away from the consequences of risk while reminding viewers that real happiness often grows from shared effort. While the arc follows familiar beats, the movie earns its emotional payoff by staying grounded in character and community. The animals are never mere backdrop; they serve as catalysts for change and reminders that a life built around care can transform a family, a property, and even a town.
Blu-ray bonus features include:
– Deleted and extended scenes
– Gag reel
– Behind the scenes featurettes
– Commentary with director Cameron Crowe, star Matt Damon, and editor Mark Livolsi
– Much more!