Movie review: Zookeeper

Kevin James gives a comical performance as the zookeeper who talk to the animals.

Kevin James finds animals can talk in Zookeeper. Courtesy Columbia TriStar
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Zookeeper Director: Frank Coraci Starring: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson

The comedian-turned-movie star James (Grown Ups, Paul Blart: Mall Cop) takes the title role as Griffin, a lonely zookeeper who decides to look for a more "attractive" job.

Devastated, the animals he cares for decide to let Griffin in on a secret - they can talk - and to keep him at the zoo they teach him how to attract a mate using the rituals of the animal kingdom.

Dawson co-stars as Kate, Griffin's friend, and a host of stars including Sylvester Stallone, Nick Nolte and Cher provide the voices of the zoo's many animals. A summer movie with strong similarities to Night at the Museum, the comedy centres on James getting into physical mishaps with his animal co-stars.

As predictable and basic as the jokes may be, however, there is an innocence to the film, epitomised by James's loveable oaf persona. His desire to better himself is endearing, even if it is shared with a talking gorilla. Dawson is equally likeable, and the pair have chemistry on screen.

While certainly no classic, Zookeeper is a charming and lovably imperfect film. James's slapstick routines and the celebrity voices are somewhat gimmicky, but the inoffensive nature of the film will offer a welcome distraction from those sick of superheroes or 3D robots.