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Going Country with The Country Bears
When I first heard about a movie called “The Country Bears,” I had no idea what to expect. Was it a documentary about actual bears that lived in the country? Or maybe it was a comedy featuring bears dressed up in cowboy hats and boots?
As it turns out, “The Country Bears” is a live-action/animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Pictures in 2002. The movie centers around a group of animatronic bears who reunite their old band to save their home, Country Bear Hall, from being demolished by greedy banker Reed Thimple (played by Christopher Walken).
The Plotline and Casts
The main cast of the film includes Haley Joel Osment as the voice of Beary Barrington, a young bear who sets out to find his true family after discovering that he’s adopted. He meets up with the eccentric members of the Country Bears band, including Ted Bedderhead (Diedrich Bader), Fred Bedderhead (Brad Garrett), Tennessee O’Neal (Toby Huss), and Zeb Zoober (Stephen Root). Together, they go on a road trip to reunite the band and save Country Bear Hall.
Other notable actors in the film include Daryl Mitchell as Officer Cheets, who helps Beary on his quest; M.C. Gainey as Roadie, the band’s loyal fan and roadie; and Alex Rocco as Rip Holland, the founder of Country Bear Hall who has since passed away.
The Soundtracks
One of the highlights of “The Country Bears” is its catchy musical numbers. The film features both original songs and covers of classic country tunes. The soundtrack includes tracks like “Let It Ride,” “Kick It Into Gear,” and “The Kid In You.”
One standout moment in the film is when Bonnie Raitt makes a cameo appearance at the end to perform a rendition of “Can’t Let Go.”
The Popularity, Criticism, and Evaluation
Despite its fun premise and talented cast, “The Country Bears” wasn’t a box office hit. Critics gave mixed reviews, with many praising the music and visuals but criticizing the thin storyline and lack of character development.
However, over time, the film has gained a cult following among Disney fans who appreciate its unique blend of live-action and animation. Some even consider it to be a hidden gem in Disney’s library.
The Cinematography
The film’s cinematography is also worth noting. The mix of live-action and animation creates a whimsical world that feels both charming and surreal. Scenes like the Country Bears’ performance at a county fair and their epic car chase through the city are particularly memorable.
My Thoughts
Personally, I have mixed feelings about “The Country Bears.” On one hand, I appreciate its catchy music and imaginative visuals. But on the other hand, I can’t help but feel that the storyline falls flat, especially compared to other Disney films like “The Lion King” or “Beauty and the Beast.”
That being said, I do think that “The Country Bears” has a certain charm to it that makes it worth watching at least once. Whether you’re a fan of country music, wacky comedies, or talking animal movies, there’s something in this film for everyone.
In conclusion, “The Country Bears” is an oddball movie that doesn’t quite meet the high standards set by other Disney classics. However, its unique premise and talented cast make it a fun watch for those looking for something different.