Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu about popular toy brand shares its ups and downs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Unstuffed: A Build-a-Bear Story
What's the Story?
UNSTUFFED: A BUILD-A-BEAR STORY tells how in 1997, businesswoman Maxine Clark opened the first Build-a-Bear Workshop in St. Louis, Missouri. For over 25 years, through good times and bad, the company has stayed successful and grown beyond Maxine's wildest dreams. Interviews with company executives, employees, celebrities, and experts provide historical context and illustrate the impact of stuffed animals on our emotional wellbeing.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary's real affection for the subject means its focus is almost entirely on love for, and the positivity of, all things Build-a-Bear. Unstuffed: A Build-a-Bear Story means well but is sometimes a little corny. There's a live-action framing device that provides some context and even greater opportunities for groan-worthy bear puns, and most celebrities interviewed are well past the peak of their fame. Still, it's interesting to see how a business has remained successful through the years. Best for fans of the company and stuffed animal lovers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teddy bears like the ones in Unstuffed: A Build-a-Bear Story. Do you have a teddy bear, or special, soft, cuddly friend? What makes it special?
Have you ever been to a Build-a-Bear Workshop? If you have, was it like what we see in this movie? If you haven't, would you like to go to one now?
How do the employees and executives of Build-a-Bear demonstrate teamwork and perseverance? How are those character strengths important when running a business?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 3, 2023
- Cast : Pete Holmes , Jon Lovitz , Mike Tyson
- Director : Taylor Morden
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Freestyle Digital Media
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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