Preview: We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Synopsis:

A father moves his family into a new home that was part of a delapidated zoo and all the animals are still there.

• Poster: (C+); D+

Review:

(Although it's a pleasant, pastoral image, it's not a terribly evocative image and plays itself too conservatively.)

Replacing a bland poster with a outright idiotic poster isn't the best move. Sure, you're trying to appeal to the Christmas crowd, but this isn't the best effort you could have put forward.

• Trailer: A-

Review:

The trailer has elements that are fairly formulaic, but you can't help but be charmed by Damon, his castmembers and the adorable animals he works hard to protect.

Oscar Prospects:

It's hard to say right now. This looks like it could be a crowd-pleaser, which often translates into Oscar consideration when the subject is directed by a noted director (it is, Cameron Crowe) and has a strong, all-star cast. It could do really well if critics fall for it.

Release Date:

• December 21, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (September 18, 2011) Original

-Wesley Lovell (December 18, 2011) New Poster; New Release Date (changed from 12/23/11)