Yogi Bear: Movie Review

Warner Bros. Pictures is on the same bandwagon as the other major movie production houses in updating old classics. This weekend, their latest remake is a 3D movie about Yogi Bear, a fun-loving bear who had his television heyday between the ‘60s and ‘80s. Funnyman Dan Aykroyd voices the “smarter than the average bear” and pop singer-turned-actor Justin Timberlake lends his voice to Yogi’s 'lil buddy, Boo-Boo.

Though the theatrical trailer sets up this remake as a fun-filled movie experience, it falls short of being a great choice for families to pick at the theater. Funny moments are few and too far between, making Yogi Bear an average movie. Children will definitely get a kick out of Yogi’s antics, but teens and adult fans of the cartoon will be disappointed.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

For years, the number of campers vacationing at Jellystone Park has dropped. Intending to rezone the park’s acres to help rejuvenate his almost bankrupt city and secure him votes for his governor's race, greedy Mayor Brown threatens to shut down Jellystone – leaving local families no place to enjoy the outdoors and destroying the homes of two of the park’s lovable, yet troublesome bears, Yogi and Boo-Boo. The two pic-a-nic loving bears must now join their foraging foe Ranger Smith to find a way to save their park.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN YOGI BEAR

Known for his catchphrases and rhyming, witty conversation with sidekick Boo-Boo, Yogi Bear won the hearts of children during his cartoon TV show days. The Hanna-Barbera character became a hit, as viewers embraced the calamity of this pic-a-nic basket stealing bear.

Saturday Night Live alum Dan Aykroyd is perfect as Yogi. His voice lends the needed comedic timing and flare to match the cartoon character so many fans loved. Yogi’s counterpart, Boo-Boo, is surprisingly well voiced by Justin Timberlake. An award-winning singer, Timberlake hits Boo-Boo’s signature sound spot-on. The park’s protector and Yogi’s nemesis, Ranger Smith, is played by Tom Cavanagh (TV’s Ed). Cavanagh, and the other live-action talent (Anna Faris and T.J. Miller), are fine in their roles.

The movie's 3D animation is commendable, though one of the scenes is gross enough to make any moviegoer want to take off their 3D glasses (It’s one when Yogi tries eating a worm!).

The film's main weakness is its script. Yogi Bear has its moments highlighting Yogi's usual quips, but they aren't worthy in and of themselves to earning our time and money this weekend. Rated PG for some mild crude humor, Yogi Bear is clean of any offensive content to which parents would especially object.

IN THE END

Even if you have kids and want to see a movie this Christmas that’s clean and fun, Yogi Bear is unfortunately not the best choice.