Fox has released a new clip from writer-director Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo. I caught the film at the preview screening last weekend and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I loved it. I’m an avid Crowe fan, but the marketing materials had me worried Zoo was nothing more than a sappy family popcorn movie. What Crowe has crafted is an incredibly poignant character piece that packs a walloping emotional punch. It comes close to being “gooey” in parts, but rarely crosses over into the saccharine. Matt Damon is great, Scarlett Johansson is charming, and the score by Sigur Ros’ Jonsi is the perfect compliment to Crowe’s delightful script that’s rife with more than a couple signature “Cameron Crowe” moments. If you're looking for a movie to enjoy with the whole family over the holidays that won't have you counting down the seconds until it's over, We Bought a Zoo is a fine choice.

This clip features Thomas Haden Church as Damon’s brother, trying to persuade him from wasting his entire savings on fixing up the dilapidated zoo. Hit the jump to check it out. We Bought a Zoo opens December 23rd.

Here’s the official synopsis for We Bought a Zoo:

This holiday season, acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) directs an amazing and true story about a single dad who decides his family needs a fresh start, so he and his two children move to the most unlikely of places: a zoo. With the help of an eclectic staff, and with many misadventures along the way, the family works to return the dilapidated zoo to its former wonder and glory.

Click over to Yahoo! to watch in HD.

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