1. What’s it about?
Griffin Keyes is a kind-hearted head zookeeper in a large city zoo. He loves his job, and is popular with the animals. There's only one problem – five years later, he's still getting over the rejection of his marriage proposal to his old girlfriend Stephanie. He runs into her at his brother's engagement party (at the zoo, no less), rekindles his romance and she not so subtly tries to mold him to her liking. After discovering that he can actually talk to the zoo animals, he uses their advice to romance her, oblivious meanwhile to his co-worker Kate's affection for him. Griffin finally realizes Stephanie is not for him, and with the help of the Bernie the gorilla, he finds himself, and finds his way back to Kate just in time to find true love.
2. Will my kids like it?
The kids will love the talking animals and their funny antics. And seeing Kevin James's face when he sees the animals talking to him for the first time! There are lots of funny scenes when the animals are trying to help Griffin with his search for a mate with funny conversations that will be entertaining for the youngsters.
3. Will I like it?
I found the talking animals amusing at first, but the plot in which the "unlucky in love guy goes on a quest to win back the girl of his dreams and find himself on the journey" is way too clichéd. Despite this, James's likeable character and heartfelt enthusiasm for the role make the stereotypical plot more bearable. Dawson's performance is charming and engaging. I found her to be the perfect "wing woman" and eventual soul mate for James's character.
4. Is it funny?
There are many funny scenes with the zoo animals counseling Griffin on how to win a mate, the wedding of Griffin's brother, the T.G.I. Friday's episode with Bernie and the great chase sequence at the end.
5. Why is it rated PG?
The film is rated PG for some rude and suggestive humor and language.
6. How did they swing Bernie the gorilla?
Gorillas are an endangered species, and no one can own them. Bernie the gorilla was born as an animatronic gorilla suit with 33 separate complex controls for his face alone. Nick Nolte's voice gives life to Bernie, the realistic, talking simian, who ends up becoming Griffin's best friend in the film.
7. Is there a good time for a bathroom break?
Kids may lose interest when the "animal talking action" wanes at the beginning of the wedding party. Go for it when the guests are mingling.
8. Should I stay for the credits?
Definitely not to be missed! There are hilarious scenes during the credits of the animals singing Journey and some film bloopers as well.
9. Is Rosario Dawson a good choice for the "wing woman" and James's true love?
Absolutely yes. Dawson's performance at the wedding playing the part of "pretend date" was perfectly charming, and I find her to be an engaging, beautiful actress.
10. Is it a good family movie?
Yes. The kids in the theater were clearly entertained by the antics of the zoo animals. It bears repeating that despite a somewhat hackneyed story of "love lost-love regained," James's slapstick performance is immensely entertaining in this role for kids. And it does have a happy, fairy tale ending, after all.
