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Jan Wahl Movie Review: We Bought a Zoo

We Bought a Zoo
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm

(CBS SF) - KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl reviews the holiday flick We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon, Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Scarlett Johansson, and directed by the legendary Cameron Crowe.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO (PG)

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

Once in a while, a movie comes along that just makes you feel better about the world. The timing is perfect for this movie's release, exactly when we need it - based on the true story of a recently widowed father trying to give his children (and himself) an authentic and emotional experience. Taking the kids out of the city, he "goes country" and buys the remnants of a zoo. Along with a colorful group of characters, he puts heart and hard work into rebuilding the zoo and making the world just a little brighter for many.

Matt Damon once again reminds us of his ability to be the "everyman" we root for, Scarlet Johansson has never been as natural.

Not a perfect movie, but one the family can enjoy. Three hats.

TINTIN (PG)

Jan also reviews The Adventures of Tintin (PG), about Tintin and his faithful dog, tossed into adventures as they follow unicorns, model ships, pirates and exotic locations. Based on the classic children's storybooks, the animation is first rate, exactly what you'd expected from the filmmaking team of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson.

Too long, but exciting and visually beautiful. Three hats.

See Now:

"Young Adult," "The Artist," "The Descendants," "My Week With Marilyn," and "A Dangerous Method"

Watch on Video/DVD:

"Midnight in Paris" and "The Help"

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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