Parents' Guide to

Brigsby Bear

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Quirky, sweet indie dramedy has some mature moments.

Movie PG-13 2017 100 minutes
Brigsby Bear Poster Image

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Kids say (1):

This dramedy from several SNL veterans has a pretty strong case of the cutes, and it doesn't always connect, but at the same time it's genuinely imaginative and sweetly likable. Brigsby Bear is one of those movies in which everything revolves around the main character, and all the secondary characters exist in relation to him; they lack inner lives of their own. Whatever secret conflicts or concerns or opinions they might have about James' peculiarities are simply ignored.

Nevertheless, as played by Mooney, James is such an endearing fellow -- unguarded and kind -- that it's difficult not to like him. And, as an extension, it's easy to see why all the other characters like him. Additionally, director Dave McCary and star/co-writer Mooney have created a fascinating universe around Brigsby and also manage to explore, at least somewhat, the twin pleasures and pitfalls of nostalgia. Certainly Hamill's presence in the cast -- as both a voice actor and as a sci-fi nerd -- helps make the point. Andy Samberg is also onboard as a co-producer and appears in a funny, small role.

Movie Details

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