Disneynature returned for Earth Day 2014 with the release of its seventh documentary, “Bears.” The movie, which was released Apr. 18, follows the adventures and struggles of a grizzly bear family on the Alaskan coast.
The family consists of first-time mother Sky and her two newborn cubs, Scout and Amber. The three grizzlies make their way through the dangerous yet breathtaking scenery of Katmai National Park on the Alaskan Peninsula. From there, viewers follow their trek for food, safety, and family over the course of a year.
From the start the family faces dangers that threaten both Sky and her cubs, including avalanches in the mountains, fierce competition from alpha males, sneaky grey wolves, and even starvation. After all, more than half of all grizzly cubs die before their first birthday. But Sky helps her family work past all the obstacles ahead of them as they grow and learn in their first year together.
The film follows many traditions set by nature documentaries of yore: awe-inspiring landscape shots in every scene, tense interactions between competing predators, and plenty of “Sweet Lord, how did someone not get mauled getting this shot” close-ups of the furry family and their neighbors.
Yet the film remains accessible and entertaining to viewers who are not necessarily nature buffs. This is greatly due to the comedic and storytelling nature of the commentary provided by Academy Award nominee John C. Reilly (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “Step Brothers,” “Chicago”). Reilly provides a family-friendly source of insight that will keep amateur nature-lovers attached to the story while remaining informational and realistic.
I applaud the directors, Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey (“African Cats”), for showcasing both heartwarming baby animal moments (I mean, who doesn’t want to watch bear cubs accidentally roll down hills?) and the real dangers of life in the rugged wilderness.
By focusing on the animals’ natural behavior and habitat in a place without human interference, Fothergill and Scholey successfully create a nature documentary that gives an implied sense of environmentalism without coming across as preachy, which many other documentary filmmakers have failed to do, such as the recent, controversy-kindling “Blackfish.” The end product is endearing, entertaining, and informational without being political.
To reinforce Disneynature’s goals for protecting the world’s most vulnerable habitats, a donation will be made for every ticket purchased during opening week to the National Park Foundation to protect environments like Sky’s.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars: “Bears” provides a stunning look at some of America’s wildest creatures and their home while telling the loving story of a mother and her babies. It’s set to be the feel-good movie of the spring and is a great choice for both families and young adults.