Zookeeper (2011)

I'm not sure how Kevin James does it. He makes average films that seem to get worse as his career progresses. The guy did OK in Hitch, but Will Smith was the star of that one and Kevin's performance wasn't exactly laugh out loud perfect. But movie studios or should I say Adam Sandler's production company Happy Madison continue to hire Kevin and this time have him starring in a so called 'fun' movie that's aimed at the kids over the summer holidays. But let me tell you right now the kids won't enjoy it, in fact no one will enjoy this film.

The story follows Griffin who is a Zookeeper and wants a new change in his life to try and win back the girl of his dreams who dumped him 5 years previous. When the Zoo animals hear of this they decide to break their code and talk to Griffin and try and help him win back his girlfriend without having to leave the Zoo.

This is a horrifyingly inept comedy, with the most ridiculous scenarios you're ever likely to see this year. Talking animals is one thing, taking a Gorilla to TGI Fridays to eat oranges and dance with women without anyone realising it's a REAL GORILLA is quite another. This film has Adam Sandler written all over it. I wouldn't be surprised if this was pitched to him originally before wisely declining and passing it over to his good friend Kevin. Even so, Sandler is co-producer, he hand picked the director (Frank Coraci) and is even the voice of the annoying Monkey. Which brings me to the voices for the Zoo animals. They have to be the craziest casting of actors and directors your every likely to get. Nick Nolte as the Gorilla, Sly Stallone as the lion, Cher as the lioness, Adam Sandler as the monkey, Jon Favreau as a bear and Judd Apatow as the Elephant! The problem is that you know straight away it's Sly and Cher which makes the animals even more unconvincing. Its' also a problem because It's Sly and Cher.

Is there any good points? Yeah Rosario Dawson is as charming and beautiful as always with Leslie Bibb and Ken Jeong also putting on a good show. But their performances can't hide the fact that Zookeeper is a truly awful film. This is Kevin James worst film by far and that's saying something. It's unrewarding of your time and money and will no doubt be up there as one of the worst films of 2011.