Every Earth Day, Disney puts a nature documentary into theaters that few people see, but more people really should. I’ll admit to being something of a sucker for these films, although some are a bit sleepier than others. [If you go in half-tired you might not be able to resist some zzzz.] However, Bears is one of the better ones in my opinion.
What Works: I was surprised at how sucked into the story I got as an Alaskan bear mother with two young cubs must fight off avalanches (there’s an amazing avalanche early in the film that begs for the IMAX treatment), older male bears, and the constant threat of starvation while searching for salmon.
I saw it as the Real Mother’s Day Movie that no live action film really is this year. The bear could be any struggling single mom fighting off no good men (the terrifying male bears will eat bear cubs if they’re hungry enough) and hard economic times. When they finally reach a plentiful salmon reservoir, only the biggest grinch wouldn’t be moved.
What Doesn’t: Some will be bored. Smaller children might grow restless. And then there’s always curmudgeons but if you don’t feel moved by the end of this movie, well…
What I Would Have Done Differently: Not much. Just enjoy it for what it is.