Recently widowed journalist Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) needs a fresh start together with his kids and buys a big old countryside houseā¦ that comes complete with a zoo. Cameron Crowe made a comeback after Elizabethtown (2005) with a couple of music documentaries ā and this feel-good drama, loosely based on a real-life story, that skillfully blends humor and sentimentality without getting too schmaltzy. Deals with father-son conflicts and life’s challenges in a laidback way, accompanied by a soundtrack of tastefully picked rock and pop oldies. Damon gives a very likable performance.
2011-U.S. 124 min. Color.Ā Directed byĀ Cameron Crowe.Ā Screenplay:Ā Cameron Crowe, Aline Brosh McKenna.Ā Book:Ā Benjamin Mee.Ā Cast:Ā Matt Damon (Benjamin Mee), Scarlett Johansson (Kelly Foster), Thomas Haden Church (Duncan Mee), Patrick Fugit, Colin Ford, Elle Fanningā¦ Peter Riegert.
Trivia:Ā Amy Adams and Rachel McAdams were allegedly considered for the part of Kelly.
