We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Year 2011

Director/Writer : Cameron Crowe

Writer/Screen Play: Aline Brosh McKenna

Stars: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Elle Fanning

My rating: 3.9

Watch situation: at Shinjuku Movie Theater after work on Saturday

On June 23^rd, I watched “We bought a Zoo” directed by Cameron Crowe. Today is July 13^th, so it is almost 3 weeks ago. As time goes by, my memory and impression are fading down. I wish I had written this blog earlier but I was tied up with the work… oh well.

In fact, I couldn’t find any good contents to write about this movie. I’m not saying this movie is not good, but it was hard for me to find something exclusive.

In the mean time, I did a little research instead of writing. While thinking about what to write, I find some assignment to do, such as improving my writing skills, improving usage of English words, how to compose the paragraph, and finally, it goes to the usage of “a” and “the”, then of course it goes farther to countable word and uncountable word. Oh, it was a deep, deep, jungle. It takes certain amount of time to master. I was glad to meet these agendas.

OK, now I can talk about this movie. Actually, the most amazing part is not related to this movie. In my research, I found that “Elizabeth Town” fell into disrepute. What??? It’s my favorite movie!! Regardless of what other people say, I love this movie. Now it became clearer not to trust the comments from the mass media. This was the huge impact for me. Honestly, I love “Elizabeth Town” more than “We Bought a Zoo.”

The theme songs written by Jónsi are great. I love them very much. Of course the other songs in the movie, I’m pretty sure that they are selected by Cameron, are maniac in a good way, and teach us the greatness of the music.

In read in here, an interview with Cameron, he says that he told all actors to make a mixtape of their favorite songs. He played them while shooting. Scarlett’s tape was praised by Crowe.

Here is the quote:

Sometimes. With this one, the [cast] also made mixtapes for me. Because I started to ask them to give me something. Scarlett’s was great: like, Bob Dylan, some Tom Waits, old Rolling Stones. And Elle Fanning made a mixtape that was very heavy on Florence and the Machine. I’d play it while they were acting, and they would all have their own kind of musical world.

What a cute episode! It will be great idea to exchange a mixtape when we meet new friends or partner to work with.  I used to do that when I was in high school and college, but not any more like I did in those days. Cameron still take a high advantage of the mixtape. Well it doesn’t have to be a format of a tape, it could be a CD. Or it would be just fun to do that with a tape on purpose, I guess.

I didn’t know the band which Elle choose, Florence and the Machine. So here it is.

I like it. I should get their songs. Thanks, Elle.

Well, it’s little awkward to end today’s blog titled “We Bought a Zoo”, but I’m satisfied with my research. It was a full of discovery. Digging something out of something is the fun part of surfing on the internet!

Good night.