Brigsby Bear

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!

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.

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.

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.

I know that tastes can't change overnight, but it's a shame that audiences can't gravitate more to movies like this. Films like this are very rare, due to the fact that they'll hardly ever snag a major release by a large studio. Not to compare the two, but last year's release of Swiss Army Man was so unique and weird that I ate it up, and I felt the exact same way about this year's Brigsby Bear, which could very well end up being my absolute favorite film of the year. Unique films are a breath of fresh air, but not all of them are great, because the stories themselves may not explore enough to truly warrant award recognition. Although Brigsby Bear won't be winning any major awards this season, here is why it's a wonderful piece of cinema in my eyes.

From first-time feature film writer Kyle Mooney and direct time feature film director Dave McCary, Brigsby Bear follows James Pope, a young man with a backstory that I can't reveal throughout this review, who has only ever seen one television show, called Brigsby Bear. When there aren't any more episodes coming out, he sets out on a mission with a few others to finish the show themselves. Becoming a filmmaker, gaining new friends, and learning many moving and comedic life lessons, this is a story worth showcasing to a very large audience. Unique, weird, and powerful all at once, this movie is elevated by a wonderfully sincere and comedic performance by Kyle Mooney as the lead.

It's very rare that a comedian can be simultaneously funny and dramatic at the same time, making it truly seem that this is a real-world scenario unfolding on-screen. Not only did this story feel authentic to me, but it touched me on a personal level in terms of how there would definitely be people like this if certain situations were to present themselves to the world. Mooney is an actor that I believe many people should keep an eye on. Sure, his YouTube career is where he started and he's most known for his role on Saturday Night Live, but he's one of those rare performers that I believe will break out and become very famous in years to come.

I truly believe that this is a flawless film for the story it's trying to convey. No film is perfect, but a film can be done perfectly when looked at a certain way, and I believe film lovers and even filmmakers themselves will be the ones who love this film the most. Original ideas are slim to none throughout mainstream media nowadays, but I dare you to come up with a premise like this throughout the past ten years. Yes, there are always similarities in every story, but when a film can surprise you even in its first act, it's something special.

In the end, Brigsby Bear is a perfect little indie film for fans of cinema, well-written, well-directed, calmly scored with care, and wrapped in a nice little bow of uniqueness. I found myself wanting to rewatch this movie the second it concluded. Although short and to the point at a mere 97 minutes, there are many hidden elements that will elevate the movie even more upon second and third viewings. I'm sure the fact that it's so weird will turn some audiences away from fully enjoying it, but like I said, hardcore film lovers and filmmakers of any kind are truly the ones that will most likely love Brigsby Bear. This is easily one of the best films I've seen all year.