I really wasn't sure what to expect from We Bought A Zoo. The title alone screams 'Family Film'. That's not to say it's a bad thing. It's just that the majority of these types of films are all sugar and no substance. Zoo is in fact a 'Family Film', but it goes a little bit deeper than your average flick in the same genre when a family has to deal with the tragic loss of one of their own and wind up buying....you guess it, a Zoo. This is definitely a departure for Cameron Crowe, the films Director and Co-Writer. I thought he did a pretty good job and just like he always does, he comes up with the perfect song to underscore selected scenes. There were actually a few spots that were very reminiscent of the mood and feeling I got watching Almost Famous.

The star of Zoo is without a doubt Matt Damon, who gave a very touching performance as the father trying to keep it together for his family while trying to come to terms with the passing of his wife. The rest of the cast was great too with Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Elle Fanning, Angus Macfadyen, Maggie Elizabeth Jones and Patrick Fugit rounding it out.

I really enjoyed this movie and really didn't have any issues with it being a bit too formulaic. I was entertained and got choked up during the scenes that ask you to do so. It's unavoidable. I definitely say this is a Buy for sure and I have no problem adding this to my own DVD Library.

Do I need to say it? Awesome soundtrack!!

Saw this in the theater and loved it. One of the rare films when leaving the theater feeling so good.

I'll be buying this.