We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Release Date:
2011
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
2h 4m
Synopsis:
We Bought a Zoo follows Benjamin Mee, a recently widowed father, who decides to make a fresh start by purchasing a large house with a zoo attached. The zoo is in need of serious renovation, and Benjamin, along with his two children, Dylan and Rosie, take on the challenge of restoring it. They are joined by a dedicated team of staff, including the head zookeeper, Kelly Foster. As they work together to reopen the zoo, the family faces various obstacles, from financial difficulties to dealing with the animals. Despite the challenges, Benjamin and his team are determined to succeed and bring the zoo back to life. The story unfolds with the family navigating their new life and the adventures that come with running a zoo.
We Bought a Zoo, released in 2011, is a family-friendly drama-comedy that appeals to kids with its heartwarming story and charming animal interactions. The film is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its positive messages and emotional depth, though some note that certain themes may require parental guidance. Overall, it offers a delightful mix of humor and heartfelt moments, making it a popular choice for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch We Bought a Zoo
The movie is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging storyline.
- Promotes themes of resilience and family bonding
- Features a strong character arc with the protagonist learning to overcome grief
- Visually appealing with its vibrant depiction of the zoo and animals
- Encourages empathy and understanding through animal care
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch We Bought a Zoo
Some parents express concerns about the emotional intensity of certain scenes.
- Deals with themes of loss and grief that may be challenging for younger viewers
- Includes a scene where financial struggles are depicted, which might be confusing
- Some moments of mild peril involving animals
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive family dynamics, emotional growth, and engaging animal interactions.
What Parents Should Know About We Bought a Zoo
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist demonstrates perseverance and kindness, especially in his efforts to save the zoo. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film addresses the family's struggle with the loss of a loved one, which may require discussion. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face realistic consequences for financial mismanagement, highlighting responsibility. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The zoo staff works together to overcome challenges, showcasing teamwork and collaboration. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family, courage, and following one's dreams, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
We Bought a Zoo is celebrated for its heartwarming story and positive messages about family and perseverance. While some emotional themes may require parental guidance, the film's strengths lie in its engaging characters and beautiful setting. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes with their children. For those seeking similar family-friendly films, titles like "Charlotte's Web" or "The Secret Life of Pets" may also be enjoyable.
Official We Bought a Zoo Trailer
We Bought a Zoo, released in 2011, is a family-friendly drama-comedy that appeals to kids with its heartwarming story and charming animal interactions. The film is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its positive messages and emotional depth, though some note that certain themes may require parental guidance. Overall, it offers a delightful mix of humor and heartfelt moments, making it a popular choice for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch We Bought a Zoo
The movie is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging storyline.
- Promotes themes of resilience and family bonding
- Features a strong character arc with the protagonist learning to overcome grief
- Visually appealing with its vibrant depiction of the zoo and animals
- Encourages empathy and understanding through animal care
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch We Bought a Zoo
Some parents express concerns about the emotional intensity of certain scenes.
- Deals with themes of loss and grief that may be challenging for younger viewers
- Includes a scene where financial struggles are depicted, which might be confusing
- Some moments of mild peril involving animals
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive family dynamics, emotional growth, and engaging animal interactions.
What Parents Should Know About We Bought a Zoo
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist demonstrates perseverance and kindness, especially in his efforts to save the zoo. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film addresses the family's struggle with the loss of a loved one, which may require discussion. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face realistic consequences for financial mismanagement, highlighting responsibility. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The zoo staff works together to overcome challenges, showcasing teamwork and collaboration. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family, courage, and following one's dreams, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
We Bought a Zoo is celebrated for its heartwarming story and positive messages about family and perseverance. While some emotional themes may require parental guidance, the film's strengths lie in its engaging characters and beautiful setting. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes with their children. For those seeking similar family-friendly films, titles like "Charlotte's Web" or "The Secret Life of Pets" may also be enjoyable.
Official We Bought a Zoo Trailer
The Core Values Learned From We Bought a Zoo
We Bought a Zoo's most common core values include Family love, Perseverance, and Courage. The movie showcases family Love as Benjamin Mee and his children work together to overcome the challenges of running a zoo, strengthening their bond through shared experiences and Teamwork. Perseverance is highlighted as the family and their team face numerous obstacles, yet remain determined to restore the zoo, teaching kids the importance of not giving up even when things get tough.
Courage is a key value as Benjamin takes a bold step into the unknown by purchasing the zoo, demonstrating to children the bravery required to embrace new adventures and face fears head-on. These core values are woven throughout the story, providing children with relatable examples of how love, determination, and bravery can help overcome life's challenges.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Appreciating what you have | Being brave | Building confidence. | Caring for others | Dealing with loss | Determination | Emotional growth | Forgiveness | Gratitude | Growth mindset | Helping others | Leadership | Love | Problem-solving | Resilience | Responsibility. | Teamwork | Trust | Trying new things
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From We Bought a Zoo
Believing in Yourself: Kids learn the importance of self-belief as Benjamin Mee takes on the daunting task of restoring a rundown zoo. Despite having no prior experience, his determination and confidence inspire his family and team to work towards a common goal.
Importance of Family: The movie emphasizes the significance of family support. Benjamin and his children, Dylan and Rosie, navigate their new life together, showing kids how family can be a source of strength and comfort during challenging times.
Coping with Change: Children see how the Mee family adjusts to their new environment and circumstances. The movie illustrates that while change can be difficult, it can also lead to new opportunities and growth.
Persevering Through Obstacles: The story highlights the value of perseverance as Benjamin and his team face numerous challenges in reopening the zoo. Kids learn that persistence and hard work can lead to success, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Healing Through Love: The film shows how love and compassion can help heal emotional wounds. As the family bonds over their shared experiences, children understand that love can be a powerful force in overcoming grief and loss.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Fear | Accepting Life’s Endings | Appreciating the Little Things | Believing in Second Chances | Choosing Your Path | Defining Your Own Family | Doing What’s Right | Embracing Unexpected Love | Finding Courage | Following Your Passion | Keeping an Open Mind | Letting Go of the Past | Moving Forward After Setbacks | Never Giving Up | Supporting Personal Growth | Taking Healthy Risks | Trusting Intuition | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love We Bought a Zoo
We Bought a Zoo is a captivating adventure where kids are drawn into the exciting world of animal friends and unexpected friendships. The zoo becomes a playground of fascinating creatures, from playful monkeys to majestic lions, sparking curiosity and wonder. As Benjamin and his family dive into the wild task of fixing the zoo, kids will love the fun and chaos that comes with exploring nature and making new friends, both human and animal. The movie is filled with heartwarming moments of pet friendships and teamwork, as everyone bands together to help the animals and each other.
The vibrant setting of the zoo, with its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Kids will be thrilled by the action-packed scenes and the humorous antics of the zoo's quirky inhabitants. With its mix of adventure, humor, and the joy of helping someone in need, We Bought a Zoo is an engaging experience that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.