While his past work has included G- or PG-rated animated features, such as the current "Happy Feet Two," Matt Damon makes a stunning premiere in a full-length, live-action, PG family film.
"We Bought a Zoo" is done extraordinarily well and in impeccable taste that will appeal to individuals regardless of their age. While it took a few minutes to get my head out of movies such as the Bourne trilogy in order to join Damon in this witty safari, it was ultimately a rewarding departure.
In retrospect, Damon was perfect for the part, complementing co-star Scarlett Johansson and providing clean, romantic charm with unpredictable twists and turns in the plot.
The only major issue that prevents me from unequivocally recommending this film for younger children is the language. Unfortunately, it feels as if profanity was thrown in for the sole purpose of keeping "We Bought a Zoo" from feeling like a Disney production.
Some audiences will likely breathe a sign of relief that filmmakers intentionally avoided coming over as childish, goofy or immature. Others will be dismayed at how close it could have come to a squeaky clean G rating.
The language present is generally mild, with vain references to deity being interspersed fairly regularly.
One of the only other issues for parents to be aware of is a few drawings shown from a sketchbook that may be unsettling to some younger viewers. A disturbing hand-drawn image in one scene shows an unrecognizable figure with a severed head. While abstract enough to remove most layers of realism, it may pose a point of concern for younger children.
Sexual content was virtually nonexistent, a pleasant surprise given the abysmal state of morality in today's entertainment world. No revealing clothing was ever present, and only a few minor covert innuendos were used which mostly flew over my head and would certainly fly over the head of a younger crowd.
While far from perfect, "We Bought a Zoo" represents a warm precedent that would be refreshing if followed in the future. Family is the focal point of the film. Everything revolves around supporting the family and bringing it closer together in times of trial and hardship.
Nothing is sugar-coated; real struggles are shown and given due treatment. Far from the norms of Hollywood, family is upheld and even put on a pedestal while the audience is led on a riveting romp by big-name performers.
Joseph Irvine enjoys writing as part of his entrepreneurial pursuits. He can be reached via email at: joseph@irvinemail.org.