The Country Bears

The Country Bears

The reason I always get so p***ed off at those who demand that all the imdb ratings they give average out to 5.5 (or, if their math skills are poor, 5) is because I am rather sure that most people are smart enough to avoid movies like The Country Bears, thus missing the type of movies that would make a Bell Curve remotely possible. The reason my own vote history averages out to a high 7.5 is because I can see a preview for a movie like this and say `I'm never going to see this movie.' However, once in a while, I just have to bite the bullet and watch an awful movie. As long as it's short, how bad can it hurt? I usually watch these kinds of movies with my brother, who has a far less refined taste in movies than myself. I'm sure he sat down to watch this particular movie to see just how bad it could be (he rented it for his two and a half year old). And, oh lord, is it terrible. I don't know if I've ever heard lamer jokes delivered with worse timing. Some of the jokes might have even been funny if the actors cared whatsoever, but they really don't. Celebrities pop up in thankless cameos. You'd think Brian Setzer would know better. Christopher Walken tries hard to make something out of his role as the villain, who wants to knock down Country Bear Hall really bad (his hood ornament is a wrecking ball). The script is far too awful to allow him even a decent moment. Alex Rocco, Moe Green from the first Godfather movie, wears his hideous red wig and acts like he wants another bullet in the eyeball. The actual Country Bears wouldn't have been impressive when I was a kid; they made me long for the live action Ninja Turtles. Haley Joel Osment is lucky he didn't actually have to appear in the movie. My brother and I spent most of the movie fiercely debating whether the man who drove the Country Bear tour bus was played by Ted Nugent. Dammit, I lost the bet. I should have known Mr. Nugent had more integrity than that (for the record, Queen Latifah, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Wyclef Jean, and Willie Nelson do not). 2/10 (why 2 and not 1? Well, I liked a couple of the songs and that Krystal chick is hot).

I brought my little brother to see this movie thinking it would be painful to watch. I was wrong, it was great! Music, dancing and good family humor. There were several songs that kept my foot taping through the entire movie. Not a sappy kid movie at all. It's Disney at it's best. If you like rock music with a hint of country, go see this movie, even if you don't have a kid to bring. You won't be disappointed!

*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.

I'd never heard of the Country Bears before - even the Disney attraction - and picked up the DVD for half price as a 'stocking filler' for my 8-year-old. I was pleasantly surprised - it's great to see something so innocent and good hearted that isn't packed with the sort of mawkish sentimentality that often finds its way into kids' films. The bears are the stars of the show, with some excellent costume puppetry and some great characters (my favourite is Zeb, who plays a mean fiddle). The story is a simple one, and you know how it's going to end. And I usually hate country music, but enjoyed the rocky tunes that punctuate the movie. This is the sort of thing that will keep most kids amused for an hour and a half - and any adult who can let their inner child out for a bit will get a kick out of it too. I'd be happy to see more of the Country Bears...

This movie was, bar none, the single wierdest, stupidest, most pathetic flaming piece of garbage I have ever seen. First of all, this is a group of singing bears, they walk, talk, sing and dance. They dress in regular clothes, walk on two legs, and play insturments. Yet, somehow, NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE! No one is bothered by the fact that a bunch of wild animals are displaying more intelligence than the screenplay writer who conjoured up this garbage. I mean, you don't see any talking bears in the audience of the concerts, so not all bears could be like this. But, everyone just sits there, watching a bunch of animals play country music. (Although I must say, even if the don't have thumbs, they're much better than a lot of real country stars.) Plus, the bears are just plain creepy. I mean, the little bear is dressed up in the clothes of some young person, he's laughing and giggling, and I wondered, "Is this really supposed to be some sick midget who kills animals and wears they're skins along with the clothes of his human victims?" Plus, the bears eyes seem incapable of focusing on anything. So even when they're looking at someone right in front of them, they still stare past them, almost through them in a manner that is nothing short of disturbing. I half expected to see M Night Shyamalan's name in the credits. And the thing that really chaps my butt about this movie is that the guy who wrote it, the guy who directed it, and worst of all the guy who designed the bears, ALL GOT PAYED FOR THIS! I mean good lord! What is this world coming to?!?!? If a movie like this came out in the 50's, everyone involved would have been blacklisted. Quality and abillity have taken a back seat to style and marketabillity. (Hence the sudden popularity of, and demand for, Vin Diesel.) May God have mercy on the souls of all those involved. And so help me, if i ever meet the writer or director of this piece of crap, I'll mug him for the $5.75 he owes me for admission.

3.9? only 3.9 for this??? That's worse than 'plan 9 from outer space' (the worst movie of all time) This is just wrong people. This IS one of the funniest films I have ever seen, and I first watched this at the tender age of 35. Christopher Walken had me almost wetting myself; "oh no!". Even now thinking about "oh no!" I'm giggling to myself. Officers Cheets and Hamm in the car wash? And who doesn't like bears that can talk and play guitar? Yea it's totally preposterous, yea it's meant for kids, yea yea yea it's got singing bears in it.... but it's got gags and one-liners that will make you bust a rib.

"Awful" is an understatement for this movie! It is an absolutely loathsome attempt by Disney to entertain children of the 21st century by the standards they expect them to have! They could not be further from the truth! Today children are a lot more mature than when I was a child (and you might say that it is sad that kids can't be kids). This movie has people in bear costumes acting like people. In my opinion, I would like to request that they "MAKE UP THEIR MIND!". In other words, why can't we feel compassion for a person instead of a puppet! Let the people BE people! Sorry Disney, but this attempted "Stuart Little" rip off does not even come close! Please try examine movies like "Old Yeller" to get an idea of what is desired by your viewing audience

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.

..is that it contains the indelible sight of Christopher Walken performing "The 1812 Overture" via armpit farts — yes, you read that right — for a captive audience of bipedal, talking redneck bears. And Walken is joined in this bit of lysergic lunacy by no less than Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Alex Rocco, Willie Nelson (!!!) Wyclef jean and Brian Setzer, so it's simply got one brain-trampling moment after another. Yeah, I know it's a kid's film, but what kids were clamoring to see this? Was it made as a tax write-off? But even with those burning questions in mind, it's certainly a truly bad movie, but I sat through it in a state of greatly amused slack-jawed disbelief, so I say see it. Preferably girded with a couple of sixers of beer.