ReelBob: ‘Brigsby Bear’ ★★★½

By Bob Bloom

Whimsical isn’t the precise word, but it comes closest to describing “Brigsby Bear,” the story of a young man deliberately isolated for all of his life who, when introduced to the outside world, refuses to accept its norms and sets out to reshape it in the image to which he was indoctrinated.

“Saturday Night Live’s” Kyle Mooney stars and co-wrote the movie which, is not so much a comedy, as an engaging and sweet fable.

It follows a familiar trajectory used in many movies — most famously in the Peter Sellers classic “Being There” — of an innocent unaware of the rules of society, whose influence, nevertheless, changes it upon entry.

“Brigsby Bear” is constructed in such a manner that it could begin with a “Once upon a time …”

Mooney portrays James, who, since he was child, has been an audience of one viewing “Brigsby Bear Adventures,” a children’s TV program mixing science-fiction stories with affirmative life lessons.

James’ world is turned upside down when it is revealed that the life he knew was a sham.

Reunited with a family he has never known, he feels like a stranger in a strange land, not understanding how — or why — the everyday things we take for granted are so important — or even necessary — to us.

He is devastated to learn that no one but him knows about Brigsby Bear. He eagerly shares stories about the bear’s adventures with new, younger friends he makes.

James finally is determined to continue the stories about Brigsby after his father takes him to his first movie.

“Brigsby Bear” touches upon many subthemes, one of which is the power of movies and how they can spark imagination.

Another is the concept of family. James’ original parents, it turned out, were not really his, though they treated him kindly and loved him as a son.

At first, his new family gently tries to ease him into adapting, working to make him forget the one constant in his life that he embraces.

His third family, the friends he inspires with his tales of Brigsby, help him fulfill his dream of keeping the bear alive and introducing him to a much wider audience.

Mooney carries off his role as a wide-eyed innocent who, though unfamiliar and frightened by the new world to which he must adapt, nevertheless shapes it to his own desires.

Mooney’s performance is quirky and charming. You embrace him because he is simply endearing.

The cast also includes Mark Hamill as James’ “father.” Though his role is small, Hamill’s Ted Mitchum — considered a bad man by the law — provides a loving and supportive environment for James.

Plus, Hamill showcases some of the talents that has made him a popular voice actor over the past several years.

Greg Kinnear is warm and engaging as the police officer who helps James.

Ryan Simpkins as James’ sister, Aubrey, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr., as James’ friend, Spencer, also provide strong support.
Mooney’s “SNL” castmates, Andy Samberg, who serves as one of the movie’s producers, and Beck Bennett, also make small but memorable contributions.

“Brigsby Bear” charms you and slowly draws you into James’ world. At 97 minutes, director David McCary keeps a steady pace that, despite some dubious plot points, focuses on James and his Don Quixote-like quest to reshape the world as he — and Brigsby — imagine it.

Initially, “Brigsby Bear” is a bit disturbing, but it slowly transcends itself into a fairy tale-like allegory about creativity.

It is a gentle and kindhearted movie that will embrace you like a good-night lullaby.

I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

BRIGSBY BEAR
3½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), mature themes, brief sexuality, teen partying, drug use