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IMDbPro

Brigsby Bear

  • 2017
  • PG-13
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
19K
YOUR RATING
Kyle Mooney in Brigsby Bear (2017)
Brigsby Bear Adventures is a children's TV show produced for an audience of one: James. When the show abruptly ends, James's life changes forever, and he sets out to finish the story himself.
Play trailer2:13
11 Videos
99+ Photos
Quirky ComedyComedyDrama

After being freed from his life in an underground bunker, a man sets out to make a movie of the only TV show he has ever known.After being freed from his life in an underground bunker, a man sets out to make a movie of the only TV show he has ever known.After being freed from his life in an underground bunker, a man sets out to make a movie of the only TV show he has ever known.

  • Director
    • Dave McCary
  • Writers
    • Kevin Costello
    • Kyle Mooney
  • Stars
    • Kyle Mooney
    • Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
    • Matt Walsh
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    19K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Dave McCary
    • Writers
      • Kevin Costello
      • Kyle Mooney
    • Stars
      • Kyle Mooney
      • Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
      • Matt Walsh
    • 99User reviews
    • 147Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 11 nominations total

    Videos11

    Featured Trailer
    Trailer 2:13
    Featured Trailer
    Teaser Trailer
    Trailer 1:37
    Teaser Trailer
    Teaser Trailer
    Trailer 1:37
    Teaser Trailer
    We Have Dreams
    Clip 1:22
    We Have Dreams
    Brigsby Bear
    Clip 1:22
    Brigsby Bear
    Brigsby Bear: Did They Ever Touch You?
    Clip 1:02
    Brigsby Bear: Did They Ever Touch You?
    Brigsby Bear: Forensic Evidence
    Clip 0:56
    Brigsby Bear: Forensic Evidence

    Photos132

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    + 126
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    Top Cast44

    Edit
    Kyle Mooney
    Kyle Mooney
    • James
    Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
    Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
    • Spencer
    • (as Jorge Lendeborg)
    Matt Walsh
    Matt Walsh
    • Greg Pope
    Michaela Watkins
    Michaela Watkins
    • Louise Pope
    Claire Danes
    Claire Danes
    • Emily
    Ryan Simpkins
    Ryan Simpkins
    • Aubrey Pope
    Greg Kinnear
    Greg Kinnear
    • Detective Vogel
    Mark Hamill
    Mark Hamill
    • Ted
    Alexa Demie
    Alexa Demie
    • Merideth
    Beck Bennett
    Beck Bennett
    • Deputy Bander
    Chance Crimin
    • Logan
    Jane Adams
    Jane Adams
    • April
    Kate Lyn Sheil
    Kate Lyn Sheil
    • Arielle Smiles
    Andy Samberg
    Andy Samberg
    • Eric
    James Anthony Green
    • Police Officer
    Kim Fischer
    • Female Reporter
    Kelly Chapman
    • News Anchor
    • (as Kelly Chapman Putzke)
    Nicholas Rutherford
    Nicholas Rutherford
    • Excited Man
    • (as Nick Rutherford)
    • Director
      • Dave McCary
    • Writers
      • Kevin Costello
      • Kyle Mooney
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews99

    7.318.5K
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    Featured reviews

    10andyroo54

    Absolutely blew me away

    I'm still teary from the last few minutes of the movie, did not think it would be this emotional.

    Kyle Mooney is so incredibly subtle with his acting that if you haven't seen much of his previous work, I'm positive most of the parts I was laughing out loud at, you would probably be wondering what was so funny. He is a fantastic character actor and he really pulls off a new subtle character in James, which is kind of an amalgamation of his most well known characters from his Youtube skit days, perhaps a little more naive than normal.

    There wasn't a weak actor in the entire film, but besides Mooney I would give special praise to Mark Hamill, although he only has a few scenes on camera, his presence is felt throughout the entire movie, through his voicing of Brigsby etc. I actually thought Hamill was better used here than in "The Last Jedi"..

    I'm not much of a critic, I can't summarise exactly what I loved about the movie very well. I will say though that the movie is superbly bitter sweet, mostly sweet, endearing and charming. And of course, absolutely hilarious, but as above, you may need either repeat viewings or be an already established fan of Mooneys work.

    Finally want to mention Dave McCary. Dave and Kyle are the perfect pairing. I absolutely loved their Youtube skits and even that amazing Instagram series they made (it's called the "D and K podcast", look it up). For his first feature length film, there is no way you would be able to tell. The movie is very well directed, I tend to pay attention to how a movie is shot, put together etc, but with this it was always characters first, which I think is a great strength.

    This movie is inspirational. I can't wait to see what these guys come up with next.
    7Jared_Andrews

    Charming, Heartfelt and Exceedingly Creative

    'Brigsby Bear' is a dark story told with a light touch. Though much of the material covered is upsetting, it never does more than dip a toe into these waters. A handful of dark jokes are delivered with an "aww shucks" charm that seems bashful about presenting anything too deep. It's more comfortable frolicking with the amusing awkward humor and writing a love letter to quirky creativity.

    Without spoiling anything, the plot is a bit difficult to outline. A young man named James (Kyle Mooney) has lived a life of isolation. He knows very little about social cues, popular culture and virtually all common knowledge. One thing he knows everything about is his favorite show (and the only show he has ever seen), Brigsby Bear.

    What James doesn't realize is that the show was made only for him, to teach him lessons and to manipulate him. No one else has ever seen it. When it abruptly ends, James wants to make a movie and give his beloved characters the ending they deserve.

    James's adaption into a world unfamiliar to him makes for a messy situation, especially for his family. No one knows how to handle it. They all want what is best for James, but none of them are sure what that is. His family tries to impose their interests onto James instead of taking an interest in what he likes.

    His new friends understand him better, or at least, they make a better effort to do so. Through these interactions, we see how special James is and how he doesn't need to change just so he can fit in with everyone else. There's a heartfelt message here about acceptance and pursuing passions, even if not everyone understands them.

    At times, the story features extremely dark jokes, pushing boundaries. It takes a tremendously upsetting situation and inserts jokes that create such a paradox that my body physically struggled to laugh. I'm not sure what that means. It seems like an indication that the combination didn't quite work. The joke didn't quite land, and the heavy material is left only partially explored.

    The film struggles with nuance in the more challenging moments. It's a little hesitant or reluctant to dig deep and make the circumstances hard on the characters. It softens the edges and makes things too easy and too light and too dumbed down. Certain bits of dialogue spell out too much, as if the filmmakers weren't sure enough of their visual storytelling to leave certain elements unsaid.

    The story arcs felt a bit underwritten and unearned. A moment of growth in a character simply happens because it's supposed to-we're not shown sufficient reason for it to occur.

    Despite the flaws, this is a charming film. I only point out the imperfections because I see great potential. This could have been a classic. Instead, it's merely a likable and unique comedy that will surely have its supporters (I'm one of them). Perhaps Kyle Mooney's next film will ascend to the level of a classic.
    9UniqueParticle

    Wonderful sweetness - reminiscent of childhood shows

    Starts off a bit weird/sad then gets to be one of the most joyful and inspirational pieces of art in film. A very well written and adorable story, even written by the main actor (Kyle Mooney) James Pope, about how he's basically obsessed with Brigsby Bear and wants to make a movie about it, which is lovely. Purely delightful cult almost family flick! Also this is my 240th review which is awesome!
    Gordon-11

    A heart warming surprise

    This film tells the story of a young man who grew up with a television show about a bear.

    The story quickly unfolds to a surprising path, and it is very engaging and emotional. It is a sweet tale of a young man finding his way in a new world, and the immense support he receives around him. The film could have taken a dark and depressing tone, but instead it keeps a light tone most of the time, with serious scenes inserted at the right intervals. It is a very heart warming story.
    7Lugo1989

    Quite quirky and quite good

    Another nice indie film that will especially appeal to people who enjoy offbeat type of comedies, Brigsby Bear is certainly one of those. It starts on quite a serious note and for a while it seems this could evolve in a straight drama story but it takes an unexpected lighthearted turn and stays within that frame until the end.

    It is interesting that the plot line on this site does not exactly reveal the main reason why the Brigsby Bear show abruptly ends and it is a good thing in my opinion since it keeps things more interesting.

    There are a few things about the story that seem completely unrealistic and might bother some people but I think we should keep in mind that it is a comedy film and it's main goal is to put forward a positive message about the importance of friendship and never giving up your goals and dreams no matter how far fetched they sometimes seem and Brigsby Bear does that and manages to be a heartwarming film despite it's unusual storyline. I would personally recommend you to watch it if you want to see something different.

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    Related interests

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    Quirky Comedy
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    Comedy
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    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Following the world premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2017 at the Eccles theatre during the Q&A, the cast were asked what attracted them to the project. Mark Hamill talked about how much he liked the script and the originality of the story, but also joked: 'Also, I actually had lines. You know, that's always a bonus for me'. This is a reference to the fact that all of his lines were cut from Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015).
    • Quotes

      [In unison, at the dinner table]

      James Pope: May our minds be stronger tomorrow.

      Ted Mitchum: May our minds be stronger tomorrow.

      April Mitchum: May our minds be stronger tomorrow.

      [They each shake hands]

    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Queen Latifah/Kyle Mooney/Portugal. The Man (2017)
    • Soundtracks
      It's Brigsby Bear (Opening Theme)
      Written by Kyle Mooney and Dave McCary

      Performed by Scott Oatley

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    FAQ19

    • How long is Brigsby Bear?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 21, 2017 (Australia)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • China
    • Official sites
      • Official site
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El oso Brigsby
    • Filming locations
      • Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
    • Production companies
      • 3311 Productions
      • YL Pictures
      • Lord Miller
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $532,669
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $39,652
      • Jul 30, 2017
    • Gross worldwide
      • $681,632
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 37m(97 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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