"Zookeeper," a 2011 dramedy/fantasy/romance from director Frank Coraci, features Kevin James as a zookeeper in Boston who gets help from the zoo’s animal residents to try and win over model Stephanie (Leslie Bibb) or fellow employee Kate (Rosario Dawson). This movie is funny and touching, and it works better than the 1998 film “Doctor Dolittle.” It also has more appeal for grown-up viewers because of the romantic plotlines, though it remains suitable for families. The success of the entire project rests on whether or not the filmmakers can make the animals—who talk—believable while still keeping you interested in what’s happening with the human characters. And they manage to do just that, remarkably well. I even became attached to one particular animal. Kevin James is reliably charming as the relatable main character, and Rosario Dawson is appealing. The film has a running time of 1 hour, 42 minutes and was filmed at Franklin Park Zoo & Boston, Massachusetts, plus Central Park in Manhattan (for the bike race). The credited writers include Jay Scherick, David Ronn, and Kevin James among others. GRADE: B+/A-

Source on TMDB