Yogi Bear (3D)

Director: Eric Brevig

Stars: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake and Anna Faris

Rated: G

As a kid I loved the cartoon Yogi Bear, it was up there with the likes of Pink Panther, Huckleberry Hound and Muttley – absolute untouched classics…until now.

In typical Hollywood fashion the business is to re-do something rather than come up with any original ideas as per the upcoming Superman re-boot or the recently released TRON: Legacy.

Yogi Bear in 3D is no exception, it’s the old, slap a new coat of paint on it to get a new generation of kids to appreciate it (and buy more merchandise), and normally I would hate that, if it wasn’t just so damn sweet.

The scheming and corrupt Mayor Brown has decided to close Jellystone Park and sell it to loggers to hide a massive debt he created by misusing council funds.

When Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) tries to save the park, Yogi (Dan Aykroyd) and Boo Boo (Justin Timberlake) get in the way with one of their crazy stunts. It’s now up to Yogi and Boo Boo to make things right and save Jellystone Park or lose it forever.

Dan Aykroyd gives a pitch perfect impersonation of Yogi, managing to spice up an old character while still maintaining those things about Yogi Bear we love like picnic baskets and new inventions to steal them.

The same goes for Justin Timberlake who is unrecognisable as Boo Boo, maintaining his cute, kind nature and unwavering friendship in any situation – I’ve said this before, but who knew he had it in him.

Let me give it to you straight though so you’re not mislead, this is a made for families film. It has all the slapstick and hilarity three year old children and their parents would love. It is fun, fast paced, sweet, funny and mushy, with a wonderful moral tale to the story to teach the kiddies at the end. The 3D elements are fantastic with scenes of flying corn chips and spitting water showing this movie was made to give families a real 3D experience.

Take the kids, have some fun, leave your opinions at the door and this will be the perfect way to entertain your family.

Plus for the big kid in you, a new Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoon will be a highlight, I promise, that alone is worth it.

#movie #moviereview #filmreview #film #yogibear #danaykroyd #justintimberlake

– Suzanna Parisi

Originally published in DB Magazine #Issue512 (street mag no longer exists - link no longer available)