Given the possibilities, one would have to say that the new “Yogi Bear” movie exceeds expectations. Nothing against Yogi himself, but a film based on a cartoon character that peaked around 1962 or so is not the kind of thing that conjures up thoughts of Oscar nominations.
Unless they have a new category this year for “best computer-generated pic-a-nic basket,” that is. And while it’s no “Tangled,” this movie is clever and nicely cast and contains enough environmental activism to warm Al Gore’s heart.
The style is live action, but the bears are digital. This is bad for animal actors, who may have a union case to consider, but probably good for the human performers.
Yogi (voiced with great gusto by Dan Aykroyd) is up to his usual tricks. Let’s face it, this bear was never a complicated character: He basically wanted to steal food from unsuspecting tourists at Jellystone Park and make life miserable for Ranger Smith.
Here, Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) is joined by his deputy (T.J. Miller) and a researcher (Anna Faris) to witness the bear-related havoc. Yogi, is of course, aided by his stunted sidekick, Boo-Boo (voice by Justin Timberlake).
The real villain, however, is the local mayor, who wants to sell off Jellystone Park, allow corporations to develop it, and give $1,000 to each voter. He’s played by Andrew Daly, a comic actor who perks up any movie or TV show he’s in these days. Here, he’s gleefully greedy.
In fact, director Eric Brevig (or somebody) has a sense of humor, because the cast is full of good comedians: Cavanagh honed his skills on TV’s “Ed,” Faris is a critical darling for “The House Bunny” and “Just Friends,” and the casting of Aykroyd and Timberlake is savvy.
T.J. Miller, as the ambitious deputy tempted into a Faustian bargain, has been everywhere since arriving in “Cloverdale,” and this movie will do nothing to derail his momentum as the next Seth Rogen. He manages to wring slapstick and a furtive kind of sadness out of his strictly supporting part.
The Endangered Species Act plays a role in the action, which might be a first for a “Yogi Bear” episode. Perhaps in the sequel, the environmentally enlightened Yogi travels to the strip mine planned for construction outside Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
The movie’s showing in 3-D in some theaters, and at least it has a little fun with the format (i.e., things are occasionally hurled at the camera). The only remarkable thing about it is that it isn’t terrible, when it comes right down to it. And that counts as a pleasant surprise.
“Yogi Bear” ½
Live action blends with some computer-generated bears in this revival of the 1960s cartoon character (Dan Aykroyd voices Yogi, Justin Timberlake does Boo-Boo). It’s no classic, but the film does exceed expectations, with some good comics in the cast and a message of environmental activism.
Rated: PG for violence.
Showing: Everett Stadium, Monroe. Marysville, Metro, Oak Tree, Pacific Place.
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