Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some slapstick violence, peril in cute animated adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
We Bare Bears: The Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the film is an emotional journey highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and family, which resonates well with audiences, particularly younger viewers and fans of the series. However, some critics note that it takes darker turns than expected for a children's movie, with intense moments that might not be suitable for all kids; despite this, many feel it successfully delivers important messages about acceptance and the importance of standing together.
- family themes
- dark moments
- acceptance message
- enjoyable for fans
- kids' suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In WE BARE BEARS: THE MOVIE, Griz (Eric Edelstein), Panda (Bobby Moynihan), and Ice Bear (Demetri Martin) have finally gone too far. After their attempt at making a viral video in order to become internet famous causes a series of calamities all over town, the bears decide that maybe it's best to leave town and go somewhere where they'll be welcomed and accepted for who they are. That place, of course, is Canada. But standing in their way is the seemingly unstoppable Agent Trout from the National Wildlife Control (Marc Evan Jackson), who believes that the bears need to be permanently kept away from human interaction. While trying to outrun Agent Trout, the bears end up at a rave held in a barn and filled with internet celebrity animals, who grow to like the bears despite their lack of internet fame, and vow to help them get to Canada. When the bears arrive at the Canadian border, they must find a way to either get into Canada even though they lack passports, or stand up to Agent Trout and show the world they can be so much more than misfits who unleash mayhem everywhere they go.
Is It Any Good?
This is a cute movie-length version of the popular Cartoon Network television show. The humor includes the slapstick pratfall violence of classic cartoons as well as satire about the desire to be "internet famous." There are some positive messages on how it's OK to be different, as well as some deeper and more subtle comments about government policies on immigration and the militarization of law enforcement. It's a story that can be as thoughtful as it is silly, and for that reason, it's a movie that can be enjoyed by kids, tweens, teens, and adults, if not for the same reasons.
What's somewhat disappointing, however, is the lack of any real breakthrough over-the-top comedy. It's especially surprising, considering that the cast is made up of many venerable figures and rising stars of the alt-comedy scene. Not that there aren't any funny moments -- there are -- but a cast of this caliber raises the expectations, and quite often these expectations aren't met. While it is a good movie, this lack of real-deal "LOL" moments is what keeps We Bare Bears: The Movie from being something that rises above standard contemporary animated fare intended for older kids and their dry-humored parents. Nonetheless, it's a fun, if formulaic, journey involving viral video fails and jokes "uhboot" Canada.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What does We Bare Bears: The Movie say about trying to fit in and measuring your worth by your number of social media followers?
The violence here is exaggerated and silly. Do you think this type of violence is OK for kids, or is it still harmful? Why?
How does the movie find humor in the desire to be "internet famous"? Why do many people want this kind of fame?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 30, 2020
- Cast : Eric Edelstein , Bobby Moynihan , Demetri Martin
- Director : Daniel Chong
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Animals , Fantasy
- Run time : 69 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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