Zookeeper (2011)
Release Date:
2011
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 42m
Synopsis:
In Zookeeper, Griffin Keyes is a kind-hearted zookeeper who loves his job at the Franklin Park Zoo. However, he struggles with his personal life, especially when it comes to winning back his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie. When Griffin considers leaving the zoo for a more glamorous career, the animals decide to break their code of silence to help him. They reveal that they can talk and offer him advice on love and life. With the help of his animal friends, including a wisecracking monkey, a lion, and a giraffe, Griffin embarks on a series of comedic adventures to win Stephanie's heart. As he navigates these challenges, Griffin discovers the importance of being true to himself and the value of friendship.
Zookeeper, released in 2011, is a family comedy that blends elements of fantasy and adventure, making it a movie primarily for kids. The film features talking animals and a light-hearted storyline, which generally appeals to younger audiences. Parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the humor and positive messages, while others express concerns about certain themes and behaviors depicted in the film.
Why Kids Should Watch Zookeeper
The movie offers a fun and engaging experience with several positive takeaways for children.
- Promotes the theme of self-acceptance and being true to oneself.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns valuable life lessons.
- Includes visually appealing scenes with talking animals that captivate young viewers.
- Offers comedic moments that are suitable for a family audience.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Zookeeper
Some parents have concerns about certain elements that may not be ideal for all children.
- Contains themes of romantic relationships that might be confusing for younger kids.
- Includes scenes where animals give questionable advice, which could be misleading.
- Some humor may be too mature or not easily understood by younger audiences.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the romantic themes and animal advice.
What Parents Should Know About Zookeeper
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist learns to be confident and true to himself, which is a positive message for kids. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The romantic subplot may require parental guidance to explain its context to younger viewers. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the protagonist faces challenges when he initially follows bad advice, showing the importance of making wise decisions. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights teamwork and friendship among the animals and the protagonist. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Zookeeper's biggest strengths lie in its humor and the positive message of self-acceptance. However, the romantic themes and some mature humor may not be suitable for all children, suggesting that parental guidance could enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar content, movies like "Madagascar" or "Night at the Museum" might offer a more universally appealing alternative.
Official Zookeeper Trailer
Zookeeper, released in 2011, is a family comedy that blends elements of fantasy and adventure, making it a movie primarily for kids. The film features talking animals and a light-hearted storyline, which generally appeals to younger audiences. Parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the humor and positive messages, while others express concerns about certain themes and behaviors depicted in the film.
Why Kids Should Watch Zookeeper
The movie offers a fun and engaging experience with several positive takeaways for children.
- Promotes the theme of self-acceptance and being true to oneself.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns valuable life lessons.
- Includes visually appealing scenes with talking animals that captivate young viewers.
- Offers comedic moments that are suitable for a family audience.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Zookeeper
Some parents have concerns about certain elements that may not be ideal for all children.
- Contains themes of romantic relationships that might be confusing for younger kids.
- Includes scenes where animals give questionable advice, which could be misleading.
- Some humor may be too mature or not easily understood by younger audiences.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the romantic themes and animal advice.
What Parents Should Know About Zookeeper
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist learns to be confident and true to himself, which is a positive message for kids. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The romantic subplot may require parental guidance to explain its context to younger viewers. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the protagonist faces challenges when he initially follows bad advice, showing the importance of making wise decisions. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights teamwork and friendship among the animals and the protagonist. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Zookeeper's biggest strengths lie in its humor and the positive message of self-acceptance. However, the romantic themes and some mature humor may not be suitable for all children, suggesting that parental guidance could enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar content, movies like "Madagascar" or "Night at the Museum" might offer a more universally appealing alternative.
Official Zookeeper Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Zookeeper
Zookeeper's most common core values include Friendship, Being yourself, and Helping others. Throughout the movie, kids see the importance of friendship as the animals band together to support Griffin in his quest for Love and Self-discovery. This camaraderie teaches children the value of having supportive friends who are there for you in times of need.
The movie also emphasizes being yourself, as Griffin learns that pretending to be someone he's not won't lead to true happiness. This lesson encourages kids to embrace their unique qualities and be confident in who they are. Helping others is another key value, as the animals go out of their way to assist Griffin, showing children the joy and fulfillment that comes from lending a hand to those in need.
Other Core Values Explored: Caring for others | Self-confidence | Love | Respect | Responsibility. | Teamwork | Perseverance | Emotional growth | Encouraging others | Problem-solving | Standing up for what's right | Self-discovery | Valuing diversity | Protecting nature
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Zookeeper
Being True to Yourself: In Zookeeper, kids learn the importance of being true to themselves through Griffin's journey. Despite his initial attempts to change who he is to win back his ex-girlfriend, he ultimately realizes that being authentic is more valuable. The animals help him see that he doesn't need to pretend to be someone he's not, teaching children that self-acceptance is key.
Asking for Help: The movie shows children that it's okay to ask for help when needed. Griffin's animal friends break their silence to offer him guidance, demonstrating that seeking assistance from others can lead to better outcomes. This lesson encourages kids to reach out to friends and family when they face challenges.
Supporting Your Friends: Zookeeper highlights the importance of supporting friends through the animals' unwavering loyalty to Griffin. They come together to help him navigate his personal struggles, teaching children the value of standing by their friends and offering support during tough times.
Practicing Empathy: The film emphasizes empathy as Griffin learns to understand and appreciate the unique qualities of each animal. By putting himself in their shoes, he becomes more compassionate and considerate, showing kids the importance of understanding others' perspectives and feelings.
Finding Courage: Griffin's journey is a testament to finding courage in the face of adversity. With the help of his animal friends, he gains the confidence to stand up for himself and pursue what truly matters. This lesson encourages children to be brave and face their fears head-on.
Other Lessons Learned: Believing in Yourself | Embracing Unexpected Love | Building Friendships | Letting Talents Shine | Overcoming Failure
Why Kids Love Zookeeper
Zookeeper is a hilarious adventure where kids are transported into a lively zoo filled with talking animals and unexpected friendships. The zany antics of a wisecracking monkey and a proud lion keep the laughter rolling as they help Griffin, the zookeeper, navigate awkward situations and silly jokes. Kids will be thrilled by the slapstick comedy and the fun of seeing animals break their silence to offer advice. The movie is a whirlwind of comedic adventures, where teamwork and pet friendships shine as the animals band together to help Griffin.
As he tries to win back his ex-girlfriend, the animals' quirky personalities and clever plans create a series of laugh-out-loud moments. The vibrant zoo setting is a playground of fun, where kids can enjoy the chaos and charm of animal friends working together. With its mix of humor, adventure, and heartwarming animal antics, Zookeeper is a delightful experience that keeps kids entertained and engaged throughout.