The Country Bears (2002)

Perfectly adorable

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

*WARNING: MAY CONTAIN MILD SPOILERS* One of those rare movies that the whole family, from toddlers to parents, can enjoy, on different levels. Parents: this one's 100% kid safe. My kids are grown, but I bought the DVD for myself. I love the music.The songs are terrific -- great soundtrack -- especially for those who like Eagles-style music. John Hiatt and Bonnie Raitt supply two of the voices, including one very fine duet. (One of the cameo scenes features Eagles Don Henley and Bonnie Raitt. You'll also spot Elton John and Queen Latifah). Brian Setzer (of the Stray Cats) has a flaming musical "duel" with Country Bear, Fred Bedderhead. The soundtrack also includes Elton John and The Guess Who, among others.This is not a movie to over-think. Just relax, suspend disbelief, sit back and enjoy the movie's clever, silly humor which, like the farcical storyline, operates at both kid and adult levels. A typically villainous Christopher Walken is a hoot as the banker determined to tear down Country Bear Hall, as is Eli Marienthal as older brother, Dex, the movie's lonely voice of reality.The Country Bears offers not only fun and laughter, terrific music, and a feel-good story, but also a positive message for kids, delivered in a light-hearted, simple, entertaining way.It's hard for me to compare The Country Bears with similar movies because few movies of this type have such a strong musical emphasis. But if you take out the music factor, I might compare it to *Finding Nemo* (for positive family values) or *Harvey* & the 1998 TV *Ransom of Red Chief* with Christopher Lloyd (for a similar style of very dry humor) or *Toy Story* & *Shrek* (for children's fun movies).Movies do not have to be great to be really good, fun entertainment. This one's good for you or your family, one of the best of its genre that I've ever seen...again and again.

In times of depression consisting of Disney being nothing but high school, cheerleading, relationships, and violence, there would be one movie that would take all of these troubles and SHOVE IT!!!!! out the window, bringing forth a light shining from a distance. Yes, it is that of "Thy Country Bears!!!!!"This movie would belong in a category of some G-rated Disney movies that are somewhat intelligent in my book known as "Vacation Movies," because it's like being at a Disney park!!!!! Speaking of which, this movie is based on the Country Bear Jamboree from Frontierland at Disneyland and Walt Disney World!!!!! And so, this attraction is the ONLY good movie rendition of a Disney park attraction, removing all the sh...aving cream gunk that "PIRATE DVDS" and "HUNTED MOOSEMEN" leave behind. So see if the bears can save the concert hall when you see the light with "Thy Country Bears!!!!!"10/10

The Country Bears is a truly unique movie, and it can be a very pleasant experience watching it, for those with an open mind. The entire movie is based on the premise that bears co-exist with humans - they are simply like another race of people. From numerous other reviews I have read of this movie, it seems many people are offended by this simple premise. Perhaps it is insulting to them, or maybe they just can't deal with things out of the ordinary such as this. It's definitely a shame, as this movie is actually a rare gem, complete with lovable characters, fun music, and an engaging and heartwarming plot.The movie begins showing us the farewell performance of a group called "The Country Bears". They were once apparently very famous, but have now all but disappeared. Beary Barrington, a huge fan, feeling displaced from his family because he feels 'different', leaves home and travels to Country Bear Hall, hoping to find a place where he fits in. He soon finds Country Bear Hall is soon to be demolished, due to six years of missed payments by it's caretaker, Henry. Beary's solution is to get the band back together to save Country Bear Hall.What follows is an enjoyable romp as we meet each of the 4 unique band members and their interesting circumstances. Fred is big softy who works as a security guard, and takes part in a performance of a very modern song titled "The Kid in You", which perhaps may not appeal to everyone. Zeb is ultimately an alcoholic, although his liquor of choice is honey. To escape from his debt with the bar, he performs in a musical duel, which is a lot of fun. Next we meet Tennessee, who is heartbroken over losing his one love Trixie. He just makes you want to give him a huge hug every time he's on screen. Finally we meet Ted, who's massive ego nearly stops the bears from coming together again. Two bumbling cops provide lots of humour, as does the hilarious bear character Big Al.Characters are definitely the highlight of this film. Each of the bears are different, and watching their behaviour is so refreshing. They make you want to be right there on the tour bus with them. The ending of the movie is perfect, but it is a strangely sad feeling to have to leave the characters and come back to reality.My thoughts of this movie are the complete opposite to the majority of other reviews out there. Ebert's review suggests to me that he barely even paid any attention to the movie - he doesn't seem to understand why Reed Thimple would want to destroy Country Bear Hall, even though it was clearly explained in the movie. He also says that certain artists such as Bonnie Raitt talk about how The Country Bears influenced them, and while this is true for some artists, Bonnie Raitt does no such thing, nor does Elton John. Why critics couldn't appreciate this film is beyond me. It has strong messages of what family is, and that it's OK to be different. It's just fantastic, and deserves much more recognition than it has. We need more movies like this, but unfortunately the poor reception of this movie will mean Disney avoids making movies like this in the future.Do yourself a favour; rent this movie, or even buy it. Don't question why it's about singing bears, otherwise you're missing the point of the movie. Just enjoy the originality, enjoy the great music, laugh at the comedy, and leave the movie with a shining feeling that not many movies these days can give you.

This is the movie of the century. I don't know what to say except that this movie was pure genius, and in my opinion it was even better than Meet Wally Sparks and Baby Geniuses. I love when the bear does his somersaults on stage! It's so rad! The first night i rented this movie, me and my friends watched it twice in a row because it was so mind-blowing! I also love the scene where the bear is in the boat and the boat runs into the prison bars and knocks them over. The only question I have is, where did Christopher Walken go? He's so sneaky! I hope Disney keeps making movies about their theme rides, because if they are anything like Country Bears and Haunted Mansion, I would be in heaven. I hope they make the Aerosmith movie next!!!How exciting!! I also love the random music videos that happen throughout the movie. My most favorite part, however, is the scene where Beary is running home and that wonderful music is playing in the background. I do have one question about this movie though... Why was it so hard for everyone to believe that the Country Bears were gonna get back together? They fail to explain this, as well as where these bears came from, and why the bears broke up in the first place. But i don't care, i just love when those bears have their jamborees!!!