WE BOUGHT A ZOO

Based on the true story of "Benjamin Mee" (who also helped write the film), played by Matt Damon -- always wonderful - and at his best in this role! Directed by Cameron Crowe who gathered a first rate cast, including adorable little Elle Fanning as "Lily" (adorable, not "cutesy"), and one of my favorites, Thomas Hayden Church, who plays Matt's older brother.  Scarlett Johansson is, of all things, the zoo keeper (and makes the part believable) of this dilapidated  old wild animal park (containing 200 critters, some  roaming around) that  "Mee" buys in order to move his family from sad memories to a new location in England after his wife has died.   So, yes, it's sentimental, but it's not sloppy, and, yes, it's predictable, but nevertheless I found it enjoyable to watch unfold. Not a "great" movie, but worth seeing.  Excellent photography, excellent acting.   (Also some funny oddball characters workiing at the zoo thrown in to the mix)