Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

In a scrappy, plucky West Bank zoo a lone veterinarian and his 10 year old son care for the animals as best they are able. The boy has a special fondness for giraffes. When the noise and chaos from an Israeli airstrike kills one of the giraffes its mate, Rita, goes on a hunger strike. Like some people, giraffes cannot live alone. Only another giraffe companion will help Rita, yet when it is difficult to cross a checkpoint with so much as a tote bag, the possibility of smuggling a giraffe across the border appears to be slim to none. The film is inspired by a real story. It is a compelling story with interesting quotes and a parallel romance. The film never quite fires on all cylinders however, especially towards the end. The romance could have been better for sure. Seen at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.