Zookeeper (2011)/Movie Review

Release Date: 8 July 2011 (USA)   Runtime: USA: 102 min

Genres: Comedy | Family | Romance

Taglines:  Welcome to his jungle.

Director:  Frank Coraci

Writers:  Nick Bakay (screenplay), Rock Reuben (screenplay)

Original Music by  Rupert Gregson-Williams

Cinematography by Michael Barrett

Storyline

A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zoo keeper find love -- without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious.

Box Office

Budget: $80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend: $20,065,617 (USA) (10 July 2011) (3482 Screens)

Gross: $76,771,335 (USA) (21 August 2011)

Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Broken Road Productions

Filming Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Soundtracks

"So Much Class"  

Written by Asani Charles, Joshua Sullivan, Gyula Dobos, Vernis Washington, Joseph Sabin and Vincent Reynolds

Performed by Doctor Jay featuring J. Sabin

Courtesy of The Creative Shop

By Arrangement with BZEE ROC Music Group, LLC

CASTS:  Kevin James,  Rosario Dawson , Leslie Bibb , Ken Jeong , Donnie Wahlberg , Joe Rogan, Nat Faxon , Steffiana De La Cruz , Nick Bakay , Jackie Sandler , Nicholas Turturro , Thomas Gottschalk, Brandon Keener , Robin Bakay , Gary Valentine

AWARDED:

2011 Teen Choice Award

Nominated

Choice Summer Movie Star: Female

Rosario Dawson

REVIEW

Kevin James plays Griffin Keyes, an average guy in an average job. He has a kind heart and an above average ability to relate to the animals in his care as the zookeeper of The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

The film opens with Griffin breaking up with his long time girlfriend Stephanie (Leslie Bibb). He weathers the disappointment and we fast forward 5 years where Griffin has now become the head zookeeper. At a celebration of his brother's upcoming wedding, Griffin spots Stephanie and his old feelings for her bubble to the surface. Lost and confused Griffin's animal buddies come to his rescue by 1 - letting him in on the secret that animals can communicate with humans (in English no less) and 2 - teaching him how to win the female of his species (advice that may be better left as that - advice) Some physical humor and not so funny scenes and lines fill out the movie for the long 104 minutes. Rosario Dawson plays Kate, the obvious new love interest for Griffin.

Unless you're between the ages of 8 and 12 leave this one unseen - it is  not worth the matinée price. Maybe catch it some time when it has been "formatted to fit this screen" and "shortened to fit in the time allotted".