*** stars (out of four). Family Adventure. PG. 2 hours, 6 minutes. At area theaters.
It’s hard to imagine what life is like for the young parent grieving a mate’s death even as he or she guides their children through their own woe. Of course, there are families for which this scenario is hardly a fiction.
Yet somehow, it feels right that the family dramedy “We Bought a Zoo” could bring a sweet, seasonal solace to those who know the ache — and those who’ve been spared it.
Count on some sap and overplayed shtick amid the more earned tears and laughs. Director Cameron Crowe can’t seem to help himself. Though we’re tempted to credit co-writer and rom-com scribe Aline Brosh McKenna with the more heavy-handed gestures.
But hey, it’s got lions, a tiger, a bear, and more.
Matt Damon portrays Benjamin Mee, who — because titles don’t lie — buys a zoo and moves his children to the shambling, 18-acre property.
The film is inspired by the real-life Mee’s 2007 memoir of moving with kids and wife to Dartmoor Zoological Park in the English countryside. His wife fell ill while they were giving their all for this loopy family enterprise.
“We Bought a Zoo” has been relocated to California and Mee’s wife has been dead for six months when we meet Ben and the kids, Rosie and Dylan.
As Duncan Mee, Thomas Haden Church gives gruff, loving advice to brother Ben, who pretty much ignores it all.
Scarlett Johansson is on hand as Kelly. She’s the sensible, observant zoo worker who keeps her head amid an idiosyncratic cast of co-workers. Consider it a fine sign of emotional discipline that the movie doesn’t overplay Kelly and Ben’s romantic possibilites.
Instead, a shimmering affection is in the offing between Kelly’s niece Lily and Dylan (Colin Ford). Elle Fanning give a giggle and a diaphanous glow to Lily, who approaches broody artist Dylan, heart in hand, or in picnic basket.
Do we have to say that a zoo is hardly a minor undertaking? It’s got a maw for cash reserves larger than any big-cat mouth.
The only Mee truly undaunted is Rosie, who leaps for joy and repeats the title a little like a mantra. Rosie is far too wise a creation, but she’s portrayed by Maggie Elizabeth Jones, quite possibly the cutest child on earth — or at least on screen this week.
Lisa Kennedy: 303-954-1567 or lkennedy@denverpost.com
