Macaroni Kid Review:
If you haven't yet, you have to go see the new documentary from Disneynature... Bears! - the latest in the long line of nature documentaries the studio releases for Earth Day. This movie showcases the trials and tribulations of the first year of motherhood for Sky (the mother bear) and her attempts to teach her cubs (Amber and Scout) how to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. Our family saw it at the El Capitan Theatre opening weekend and was so impressed by the whole experience. Prior to the screening, live animals from the Wildlife Learning Center were presented on stage...some of which included the likes of the bald eagle, fox, alligator, porcupine, and even a serval cat! My kids and I learned so many interesting facts about each animal, and the kids were allowed to have a Q&A session with the presenters. Live animals are only at the El Capitan Theatre until May 1st, so you and your family don't want to miss out!
The Alaskan backdrop of the film is so beautiful as you watch the first year of the cub's life. I never knew that a mama bear goes through this much to keep her baby cubs safe. They seem to be in constant danger as she struggles to find food to feed them. Her task is daunting as “only half of the cubs born each winter make it through their first year alive.” I also didn't know that she takes care of her young alone, without the father. For all the mama bears our there, you'll love this movie! Watching it makes you appreciate parenthood and reminds you to treasure and hug your own "little cubs" at home. Surprisingly, we can relate to the mama bear in more ways than we can imagine.
The movie is surprisingly also well balanced. While the fighting scenes between the bears may be intense for younger kids (but this is nature, after all), there are also plenty of humorous moments to keep the entire audience engaged, laughing, and smiling. We appreciated an educational, yet enjoyable "G" rated movie like this for the whole family to enjoy. I'm looking forward to more moves from Disneynature! Oh, and don’t miss the end credits where you’ll see how close the filmmakers actually got to their subjects so you can truly appreciate the work that was involved to bring the story to life. While this film truly gives the audience a glimpse into a world that most would never see or experience, it more importantly tugs at our heart strings with the universal message of family.
Movie details:
In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska!
Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee”) and Keith Scholey (“African Cats”), and narrated by John C. Reilly, “Bears” arrives in theaters April 18, 2014, to celebrate Earth Day.
Bears - Clip "Digging Up Clams"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyzTrhM62ms&feature=youtu.be
Bears - Clip "First Steps"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFScD9EfMCE&feature=youtu.be
DISNEYNATURE
Website and Mobile Site: Disney.com/Bears
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/Disneynature
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature
Genre: True Life Adventure
Rating: G
U.S. Release Date: April 18, 2014
