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The Country Bears (G, 2002)

common sense media says

A dumb story about a bear adopted by humans.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this movie is rated G and has none of the usual parental concerns, they should be sensitive to some of the issues in the movie that may trouble children. Beary runs away, and his parents are frantic about his safety, but he doesn't let them know where he is and doesn't seem to miss them for most of the movie. Beary's human parents don't tell him the truth about his adoption. He's told about his origins very cruelly by his jealous brother. Some parents will regret having their children see a character "play" music on his armpit if it sparks some attempts at imitation.

Violence & scariness: Family tension, mild peril, no one hurt.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Some product placement.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Comic references to honey abuse.
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More on The Country Bears

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how everyone feels different from the rest of the world at times, and how we make connections with those who are and who are not like us.

What's the story?

What's the story?
THE COUNTRY BEARS begins with some wit and style – a wood-burning credit sequence and "Behind the Music"-style clips about the beloved band's rise and fall. Their last series of concerts was called the "Hiber-Nation" tour. In a flashback, we learn the story of Beary (voice of Haley Joel Osment), a bear adopted by humans who runs away from home because he feels different. The Country Bears Hall is about to be torn down by wicked Reed Thimple (Christopher Walken). Beary decides and the only way to raise the money to keep it standing is to get the band back together.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Less story than product placement, The Country Bears is based on a theme park attraction, but Disney World's robot bear performers may just have a better plot than this movie, which is basically "The Blues Brothers" with fur. But then it disintegrates into a dumb "get the band back together" story, as Beary reminds his former band mates about how close they all used to be..

Some surprising guest appearances by Elton John, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, and Queen Latifah (Raitt and Henley contribute singing voices) and some lively musical numbers by Disney label artists provide bright spots. But the in-between doses of silliness and syrup just dragged. The kids in the audience loved the scene with the policemen caught in the car wash, though.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Peter Hastings
Cast: Christopher Walken, Diedrich Bader, Haley Joel Osment
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: July 26, 2002
DVD release: December 17, 2002
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Dominicboo1
teen, 16 years old
3
 
Fun Movie For All Ages
The Country Bears might not be a classic family movie, but it's very much a safe one for all ages. There is no serious violence, the only thing that's some suggestive for all ages is Zeb Zoober has a honey addiction that's supposed to symbolize alcohol. (kids won't understand it though) This is based on a classic Walt Disney World attraction (like Pirates of the Carribean was).
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nduns
adult
6
 
The only thing that saves this from 1 star...
is Christopher Walken simply because this is the only time we ever see him take his role seriously, and it's funny just for that alone. The rest of this movie is just stupid and not funny in the slightest.
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hannahhsmfan23
teen, 14 years old
 
horible
it is more for kids 1-5, no offence!!!!!!!!!!!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)

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