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Yogi Bear: Christian Movie Review

Movie Info

RATING:

PG for some mild rude humor.

GENRE:

Comedy, Kids/Family, Animation

RELEASE:

December 17, 2010

STARRING:

Tom Cavanagh and Anna Faris, and the voices of Dan Aykroyd (Yogi) and Justin Timberlake (Boo-Boo)

DIRECTOR:

Eric Brevig

DISTRIBUTOR:

Warner Bros. Pictures

 

Christian Movie Reviews

Please Note

In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.

CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW

Yogi Bear

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer



CBN.com
-
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 the 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. See Tangled or Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader instead.

More movie reviews from a Christian perspective on CBN.com

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Hannah GoodwynHannah Goodwyn loved watching the Yogi Bear cartoon as a child, and is sad this remake isn't better.

Hannah is the Family and Entertainment producer for CBN.com. For more articles and information, visit Hannah's bio page.

E-mail Hannah!

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