Today’s quick review: Brigsby Bear. James (Kyle Mooney) is a lifelong devotee of Brigsby Bear, a long-running sci-fi kids’ show. When the police raid the bunker where he lives, James learns that his life is a lie: his parents actually abducted him as a child, and his father (Mark Hamill) created Brigsby Bear. As James tries to adapt to the outside world, he embarks on a project to film a Brigsby Bear movie and give the series a proper sendoff.
Brigsby Bear is a heartfelt comedy about a naive young man’s dream to bring his favorite show to the world. Brigsby Bear features an unusual premise, a fascinating lead, and an understated sense of humor. The film draws on the campy charm of old television shows, the positive aspects of fandom, the uncertainty of the creative process, and the unexamined strangeness of daily life to form a satisfying, oddly cohesive story.
Much of the movie’s humor comes from James’s skewed perspective on the world. His unusual upbringing has left him with a blurred line between reality and fiction, as well as basic misunderstandings about how the world works. Kyle Mooney fits the part perfectly, making James just odd enough to distance him from his real family without alienating him completely. His pure motives and forgiving nature make him a likable protagonist.
Brigsby Bear also does an admirable job of balancing its tone. Between its peculiar premise, its themes of maladjustment, and the subtly warped kids’ show at its core, the movie has all the ingredients it needs for a disturbing horror movie. But Brigsby Bear carefully maintains the trust that it builds up. Even at its weirdest, the film never goes too far, and the optimism it conveys is genuine and unsullied.
The movie does have its tradeoffs. Its particular sense of humor may not appeal to those used to more outrageous jokes. Its plot isn’t very elaborate, although it’s fulfilling enough for anyone who invests in it. Brigsby Bear also depends heavily on James; viewers who don’t like him as a character simply won’t get much out of the movie. More subtly, the movie puts the needs of its story first, so its most interesting ideas aren’t explored to their fullest.
Give Brigsby Bear a watch if you’re in the mood for something sweet, amusing, and experimental. It’s one or two steps removed from traditional comedies, but its acting and writing are enough to make good on its promise. For a more overt comedy with similar themes, check out Be Kind Rewind. For another upside-down perspective on reality, check out The Truman Show.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a unique perspective, good humor, and plenty of heart.