YOGI BEAR

2010, Warner Bros.

Animated & Live action

Rating: G

Approx. 80 mins.

THE STORY:

Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanaugh) is dedicated, pleasant and a bit socially awkward. His life's work is to make Jellystone Park a place for people to enjoy nature. The biggest thorn in Ranger Smith's side is Yogi Bear (Dan Akroyd), the most famous resident of the park. Yogi is well-intentioned but things around him have a way of going wrong. That plus the fact that his life's work is to steal visitors' 'pic-a-nic' baskets leads to some stress for the ranger.

Yogi is, however, not the greatest threat to peace in the park. The town's corrupt and self-serving mayor (Andrew Daly) is determined to clear-cut and sell the land off to developers to raise cash (to replace what he has squandered) for the town's coffers. Ranger Smith has to increase the park's revenue by increasing attendance. Yogi vows to help, but it remains to be seen whether that is a plus or a minus.

In the end, good triumphs evil and Ranger Smith even finds romance. And Yogi remains Yogi. 

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• none

VIOLENCE: 

•  lots of slapstick, but no real violence

TEACHING POINTS:

• the concept of endangered animals
• The only way you can fail is if you don't try

THE UPSHOT:

The combination of live action and animation is impressively seamless. The acting is pretty good and the story is very child-oriented. The plot is based on the premise of easily identifiable 'good' versus easily identifiable 'evil.' The humour is largely slapstick-- which appealed to my 4 year-old-- without being crass-- which appealed to me. It's a very safe 'G' movie with some very positive messaging, but which still manages to be an enjoyable movie.

4/5