THE COUNTRY BEARS
Shameless, toe-tappin' family fun with a big heart.
Should You Watch It?
If your family wants a musical comedy that does not apologize for being silly, THE COUNTRY BEARS is an easy choice. The performances are lively, the singing and musical execution are excellent, and the film treats its musical numbers seriously while having fun with its talking-bear premise.
More importantly, the story teaches the importance of family and friends staying together. Its mild content concerns include slapstick violence, brief gun-related peril, a few mild exclamations, and drinking imagery, but the source review finds the overall moral worldview solid and pro-family.
Take the whole family. THE COUNTRY BEARS is worth the trip for cheerful, toe-tapping fun with a good-hearted message.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESEleven-year-old Beary Barrington feels out of place in his human-looking family and wonders whether he has a higher purpose. A devoted fan of the Country Bears, he runs away to Country Bear Hall, where he discovers that the building is threatened with destruction.
To save the Hall, Beary must help Henry reunite the band for one more concert. Meanwhile, Beary's parents send two goofy policemen after him, and they mistakenly believe Henry has kidnapped him.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is excellent family entertainment, and the film earns that rating through its music, performances, and sheer energy. The actors and voice talent do a fine job, including Haley Joel Osment, while the musical numbers are lively and well executed.
The new songs are not great pop songs, but they are very good ones. A restaurant production number recalls the infectious joy of Hollywood musicals from the 1940s and 1950s. The result is an entertaining concoction that should delight children of all ages and perhaps even some jaded teenagers.
The Worldview
THE COUNTRY BEARS presents a solid moral worldview centered on family, friendship, belonging, and staying together. Beary's parents teach that being a family means putting up with one another's differences, and that everyone feels out of place at times. The story also affirms the importance of finding one's higher purpose without abandoning the people who love you.
The film's pro-family message aligns well with a biblical view of commitment and mutual care. Its central longing is the desire to belong and to know that one's differences do not disqualify one from love. Scripture teaches, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Solid moral worldview with pro-family theme; no foul language, although there are a few dangs and darns and man makes crude musical sounds with his hand; slapstick violence such as crashing through stage floor, barn falls, car chases, boat crashes, and getting sucked through car wash, plus man brandishes gun during kidnapping; no sex; no nudity, but some very brief, non-salacious flashing of female midriffs and girls wear women’s cut T-shirts during dance number; visit to honky tonks with bottles of booze and people drinking cola-colored drinks and honey, and jokes about bears drinking too much honey; no smoking; and, heroes free kidnap victims.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Beary feels different from his family. How can your family make sure differences become a reason for patience and love rather than rejection?
Romans 12:10 · 1 Corinthians 12:18–20Beary searches for his higher purpose. What gifts has God given you, and how might you use them to serve others?
Ephesians 2:10 · 1 Peter 4:10The Country Bears must reunite to save Country Bear Hall. What helps families and friends stay committed when disagreements pull them apart?
Colossians 3:13–14 · Ecclesiastes 4:9–10The film makes room for silliness while taking music seriously. How can joy and excellence belong together in the way we create and serve?
Colossians 3:23 · Philippians 4:4The Final Word
THE COUNTRY BEARS is bright, funny, musical fun for every age. Its message about family and friends staying together gives the silliness a warm center. For an upbeat family movie night, WORTH THE TRIP.
