MovieChat Forums > We Bought a Zoo (2011) Discussion > There is something seriously wrong with ...

There is something seriously wrong with this film.

posted 12 years ago by sosvovenon
89 replies | jump to latest

I had some hopes that this would be a nice family film for a friday night, but after watching it I was feeling uneasy and irritated. I feel it tries to be a sort of rosy fantasy depiction of reality, and at the same time it attempts to tackle a difficult subject - the death of a spouse. Its trying to be everything at the same time. It is also very odd that the film is apparently "based on a true story". I am somewhat familiar with the story in question... Perhaps they should have said inspired, at most. Also, there are several details in there that makes this just a BAD film:

-When the family arrives at the zoo, it comes complete with two cute blonde love interests for the father and the son. The scenes when the family arrive at the zoo made me cringe.

-The little seven year old daughter is almost disgusting with her constant saccharine delivery of "cute" lines. You can almost see some demented mother behind the camera cracking a whip, screaming "BE CUTE!" If there was just a single scene where she was a manipulative, egocentrical little monster obsessed with candy and toys (as many children that age are at times) perhaps this character would have felt a little real, at least.

-Elle Fanning who plays the son's love interest is either a poor actress or very badly directed. During one scene i actually let out an involuntary visceral moan of angst - this was partly because the scene was so cheesy, but mostly because of her acting.

-One of the scenes where the lead character looks at pictures of his dead wife was so obviously and coldly designed to make you cry that it felt like emotional rape. I almost did cry, but I refused to.

I could go on and on about this... But this is one of the worst examples of exploitation of emotional issues, cute children and animals and so on that I've ever seen. It actually mainly made me wonder if those animals (both the ones in the fictional zoo and on the set of the film) wouldn't be a lot happier in the wild. Also, reading some of the reviews on this site and the posts on the forum makes me wonder what kind of sycophants would actually voluntarily go out and post positive reviews and actively defend this movie on the net.

[–] purplefreak3-1 12 years ago

There is a movie for everyone, this one might be for you but it need mostly get positive reviews and rating.

http://www.purplefreak3.com
http://www.beautifuljodelle.com

[–] PotassiumMan 12 years ago

I don't think this is an especially ambitious film. What makes it work, is that it actually doesn't try to do too much. It escapes me as to how this film could be construed as "exploitative". A film as low-key and modest as this is not really exploiting anything.

[–] zooymtoo 12 years ago

I think people will defend it if they enjoyed it. I am one of those that did.
I also think it's taking things a little too seriously to say that there's something "seriously wrong with this film".
I don't think the films intention was to be about losing a spouse. It was about an adventure that takes one outside of themselves. And what better than a dilapidated zoo to draw ones attention away from oneself and life's problems.
Like watching a movie purely for entertainment.
I usually watch much darker films and this was a welcome change. I understand that it's a fantasy of a real event and that there's no happily ever afters. But I can pretend for 2 hours that there are.

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

I understand what you're saying, and if you really enjoyed this film there's very little I can do about that. But I still have a lot of negative emotions about it - in fact a lot more than I've had about any film for a long time.
I feel that If you're going to make a movie about something that really happened, its unsound to handle it in this way. Let's say you are going to make a film about the battle of the Somme, for example. It would be a nightmare to see what the creators of this film would do with that.
Its been said that "in real life, there are no resolutions" and this is a conclusion that you seem to have come to yourself. But this is not my main complaint about this film. I mainly feel that its very poorly made visa vi the script, casting and especially the direction of the actors.

[–] 5535 12 years ago

Very well said about the scene of the father Ben looking at the pictures in the kitchen. Yes, it was sad, until it got cheesy, and then it was somewhat annoying to sit through. The overbearing music was so forced that I felt like fighting against the emotion, just to spite the director for trying to force something on us that doesn't need forcing. If he trusted his audience, he would have had no music, or just a little underlying tune during the scene to give it a bit of a push, but he didn't need to hammer us over the head with it!

The music was neverending during the whole film, and it made the movie tiring. I also cringed at the music during the reveal of the customers lining the tree covered street, waiting for entry to the zoo. The choice of song for this scene was so tired, as it's a song that is overused in trailers and in movies as well, so using it again here was a bit lazy.

The acting was good from most, and some moments were cute and fun, but it was far too sacharine to really enjoy, and I'm someone who enjoys happy movies.

[–] DuneLynx 12 years ago

I totally agree with both this comment and the first post. The music was just waaay too much. The worst thing is that I really like most of the music that's on the soundtrack, but in this movie it just felt forced and over the top. I actually felt like some of my favorite music (Bon Iver, Sigur Rós) was being taken advantage of to create feelings that the director couldn't create otherwise.

About Elle Fanning, I think she was really amazing in Super 8, so I think it's really the fault of the director again.

I actually totally buy the idea of the adventure, the getting on in your life after a sad thing happening, and not being afraid to love. But this movie's use of omnipresent music (that I love) to manipulate feelings coupled with the daughter's too sweet comments for a 7-year-old ruined it for me, good acting or no.

There's nothing wrong with baulking at being manipulated in this way. I love when movies make me feel this stuff using more subtle means.

[–] boxerrebellion 10 years ago

There was music in this movie? I mean, sure, most movies have scores and they are sort of background to the action.... but this score did not draw attention to itself. It was not heavily melodramatic; granted it was not singularly exciting.... it had no Jaws, Star Wars or Jurassic Park theme.... but overbearing? Hardly.

[–] dgordon-9 10 years ago

I think its a dishonest film at the least, starting with setting it in Southern California, though I guess its cheaper that way, and the weather is more reliable. It seems to me it tries to manipulate the audience with rather blatant emotional cues and set-piece relationships, rather than just telling a rather eventful true story.

[–] sjcpilot4444 12 years ago

Im pretty sure from what your saying, you cannot take a great drama movie like this and the message it really is bringing across here, Its not the movie that has something "seriously wrong", its you. You need to go through some therapy cause its obvious you have some deep rooted issues here, or you are just so dead inside that you have no feelings, take the movie lightly, and take the story and message greater.

[–] darreth 12 years ago

I agree with you SJC: There is NOTHING wrong with "THIS FILM" Get some COUNSELLING... and do it QUICKLY! Hopefully this "PERSON" doesn't have access to FIREARMS!

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

You appear to be the kind of bully who tries to ostracise others by insinuating that they are insane. Also, you seem to imply that I am not even a person (whatever that means - I suppose you are trying to dehumanize me).
Let's get one thing straight. You don't know anything about me. If you want to discuss the movie, please stick to the subject.

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

That's nonsense. There isn't anything seriously wrong with me because I disliked this film. I don't need therapy because of that.

"...take the movie lightly, and take the story and message greater."

I don't even understand what you mean by that. It doesn't make sense.

[–] darreth 12 years ago

RIGHT... you keep TELLING yourself that EVERYONE ELSE is the one that "DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!" That'll get you ALL KINDS of everywhere in the world!!!

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

Hmmm... Well, I suppose you do have a point - telling yourself that the world is crazy won't lead anywhere. (By writing that I assume you are being ironic by saying that it will get me all kinds of everywhere in the world)

But I feel we are no longer discussing the movie "We Bought a Zoo". Instead we are just flinging pies in text form back and forth. In my original post I described my feelings about the movie, and I also accused people who wrote positive reviews/forum posts about it for being conformists. This accusation seems to have triggered some people. Perhaps it was unfair; maybe they just liked the movie. Most of the replies I got seem to disagree with my rather vitriolic "analysis" of the film. So I'm somewhat forced to say that this is probably just a matter of diverging personal tastes. Sweden, like the USA, is a democratic country... And the majority rules.

[–] Bulgoki 12 years ago

"...take the movie lightly, and take the story and message greater."

I don't even understand what you mean by that. It doesn't make sense.

I think what he means to say is, "Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?”

[–] zaza_22041 12 years ago

Sorry for those of you who didn't enjoy this movie. Except for the sadness about Spar, I truly liked this movie. Wish I could have been part of the zoo family either the owners or the workers. What a life.

[–] Casey999 12 years ago

Haven't seen the film, so I can't comment on it's quality, but whenever a movie says based on a true story, you should assume that reality was significantly different.

[–] mark_dana 12 years ago

I disgree, you are wrong, case closed, move on.

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

You can disagree all you want, but that doesn't mean that I'm wrong. Especially since you don't even try to convince me in any way...

[–] spikedacruz 12 years ago

sosvovenon I completely agree with you. The son's lover was just pathetic, as the son itself. The movie was so predictable and it tried to hard to trespass some kind of drama to the viewer. It failed completely. BUT IT'S JUST MY OPINION.

Mix some cute animals, a father raising two sons alone, a deadline, a bad man (inspector) that in the last moment is going to disaprove the Zoo, a woman to the lead character and you mix it very well. You have a pseudo-comedy-drama. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against the director, I loved "Almost Famous", but this one failed completely.

I don't get the users here. Someone give their humble opinion, is automatically bashed, since his opinion is not like yours, you just talk trash, and better you don't give a valid contra-answer to the OP, just: "WHAT????? WHAT???? YOU DON'T undestood this you aren't human" grow up and look at yourselfs, what kind of conscious is vaguing throw that thing above your neck? The IMDB foruns are infested of stupid people like you, you don't have another name. Talk like adults, be civilized once in your life.

sosvovenon don't try to hard, to answer to some users, you give them a text with meaning they only reply you in one sentence. Ignore button on them.

Cheers

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

What!? He is the guy who made almost famous?
I remember watching that one with a friend of mine and he said "wow this is a great script" and I could not disagree with him. That film was awesome.

Oh how have the mighty fallen... I can't believe that this picture was made by the same person. I also can't believe that "We Bought A Zoo" has an IMBd rating of above 7. I almost never go for films that have an IMBd rating of below 7 - this site is rather reliable in that sense. But this one is... well, let's just say I think it is not deserving of its 7+ rating at all. I believe that this is a result of some clever tactics by the marketers of this movie. Let's hope they are stopped, or I won't give much trust to this site anymore.

[–] Ilario1 12 years ago

I think it deserves a 7.5. Not everyone is as unhappy with the rating as you are.

"What happens to a dream deferred?"

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

I really am getting tired of arguing about this... So I will just take the easy way out.

Adolf Hitler. Germany, 1939. Need I say more?

[–] lindugh 11 years ago

I didn't like this movie at all. Not the acting, characters (except thomas hayden church) or the story. I gave it 4 generous stars for the animals. Wish more time had been spent showing the animals at play in the habitat and less on the story. 7.5 stars doesn't make sense.

[–] evygaspar 8 years ago

you...do understand how the imdb rating works, right? people give their opinion of the film, that's it. nothing "deserves" a rating, it's arrived at by mathematical formula. of course a person's opinion of something can be manipulated, but not a rating, per se (noone's going to press a buzzer giving you an electric shock if you rate below 6).

[–] pd78w 12 years ago

It is also very odd that the film is apparently "based on a true story".

It is not apparently based on a true story. It IS based on a true story!

http://www.dartmoorzoo.org/your-visit/the-dzp-story.html

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

Ok... What you said then!

[–] jetandlexi 12 years ago

My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed the heck outa this film. And one of the things that we loved the most was that adorable little girl. As you said....many kids are manipulative, egomaniacs and feel entitled......or simply put just plain brats. Her 'perfect' cuteness was a welcome sight and I loved every second of her on screen!!!!
I don't mind cheesy one bit....it is what it is and it has it's place and this film was pure and simple enjoyment. No more thought or analyzing was even necessary we just sat back on the couch with our popcorn and ice cream and laughed and cried and had one very wonderful movie night.

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

I should envy your enjoyment of this movie. You seem to have the ability to shut down all higher brain functions as demanded by Hollywood. "All it takes is a small effort of will - one that you were not willing to make."

Ok I might have misquoted 1984 there. But seriously - I just don't understand how you are able to overlook all that I think is wrong with this film. Being that I have soon spent more time arguing about it on this forum than I did watching "We Bought A Zoo" I am beginning to doubt my own sanity.

[–] mahughes-355-873696 12 years ago

What bothers me is the thought that the people that put themselves into this film - the author, the director, the actors, and everyone behind the scenes - see the original review of this film, "there is something seriously wrong with this film," which will be devastating. It is a beautiful story that has lots of heart. You can tell EXACTLY what the movie will be like by watching previews or the trailer. Why would you watch this film? - it should have been obvious to you that you would not enjoy it. I think the fact that you felt the need to publicly bash this film says a lot more about YOU than it says about the film.

For the rest of you out there... if you like a heart-warming story with lots of opportunities to laugh and cry, watch this film. If you love to see people smile, if it warms you to see something sad turn into something happy, watch this film. But, if none of those things appeals to you, don't watch this film.

[–] sosvovenon 12 years ago

I can understand that the title of my forum post could hurt the people involved in making this movie a little. I would like to stress, however, that my post is not a cold scientific analysis of "We Bought A Zoo". It is rather a description of my own personal thoughts and feelings while watching the movie in question. Some people may like it. Others may hate it. I believe however that this particular film on IMDb has been the subject of an unusually large influx of false votes and lobbyist style commenting.

I strongly believe that the makers of this movie intended it to be good. I would be hard pressed to find a film that was intended to be bad, in fact... But wishes, ideas and intentions only go so far. At the end of the day you have to face the results - and they are very seldomly similar to your fantasies.

I gave "Lost In Translation" nine stars. Scarlett Johansson (probably descended from Swedes, such as myself) presented a great performance in that movie. If she really is of Swedish descent, I am proud!

I gave all the "Bourne" films eight stars. Matt Damon performed perfectly in those films. They were both entertaining and thought provoking.

I would also like to say that what I wrote initially was a forum post - not a review!

[–] brookselliott-327-719808 12 years ago

so let me get this straight, when someone else disagrees with you, you got upset because they were giving you a different opinion, but another post said that her and her husband liked the film you posted and I quote

"You seem to have the ability to shut down all higher brain functions as demanded by Hollywood. "All it takes is a small effort of will - one that you were not willing to make."

why is it ok for you to tear someone down, but it is not right for someone to do it too you?

"I just don't understand how you are able to overlook all that I think is wrong with this film"

some people actually do watch a movie for pure entertainment purpose only, and don't feel the need to criticize every little detail.

who knows maybe you are just too smart for the rest of us.....

[–] rizdek 9 years ago

Yeah...old thread, but I noticed that too. The OP doesn't seem too smart.