Brigsby Bear

PG-13

Released Jul 28, 2017

1 hr. 37 min.

Comedy

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List

83%

167 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

The show "Brigsby Bear Adventures" is a children's television program produced for an audience of one: James Pope. When the series abruptly ends, Pope's life changes forever as he sets out to finish the storyline himself. To do that, he must learn how to cope with the realities of a new world that he knows nothing about.

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Critics Consensus

Audiences attuned to Brigsby Bear's strange frequency will be moved by its earnest -- and endearingly original -- approach to pop culture's impact and the creative urge.

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Tony E

A feature that so brilliantly manages to maintain its heartfelt tone after the reveal of a dark twist in the first act. It could have felt jarring, but it never does. It's an absolute gem that I feel deserves to be witnessed by more people. Kyle Mooney should get more roles, because I can't imagine anyone else playing such an endearing role as Mooney did in this feature. David Wingo's score is also magnificent. I recommend going into it blind as it makes the experience more rewarding. Please seek this out!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/14/23

Full Review

Georgan G

I viewed the theme of this touching film as a child (experientially) who was defined by a show. It was his only entertainment, and only friendship. It was also obvious that he needed to finish the Brigsby story, before he could become a young adult.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/29/23

Full Review

Aaron S

I think Kyle Mooney is one of the most undercelebrated comedians in the business. Not only is this movie, which appears to a brain child of his, fantastically written as an offbeat feel good dramedy, his acting and comedic style is paramount to its success. Even back to his YouTube days, his characters that are innocent but bizarre fish out of water are always very strong and what better fish out of water than a mid 20 something who was abducted as a baby by doomsday weirdos and is now returning to the real world. In addition to Mooney, you just want to root for all of the characters in Brigsby Bear. His sister's friends are kind and endearing people who accept James (Mooney) as he is and pursue his unique passions right alongside him. Listen, this isn't a complicated movie. It's an incredibly funny and wholesomely sweet story about loving people as they are. It's a must see in my opinion and it's one of those movies that I feel better for having seen it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/23

Full Review

liam k

Set away your preconceived notions about SNL movies; this is a nice movie that is well worth seeing. A deliriously endearing tale of James, a pampered manchild making his first steps in the real world with the aid of his boyhood obsession with VCRs, is written by and stars current TV regular Kyle Mooney.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/22/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Brigsby Bear has been on my watchlist for years but I am still not surprised this landed as well as it did for me, being a big Kyle Mooney fan. He has probably been my favorite SNL writer over the last decade and, similar to his sketches, this was filled with the innocent charm and offbeat humor that has become a hallmark of his work. The cast was solid as well with Mooney bringing authenticity to a character, whose very situation is so outlandishly unbelievable, in a way that I suspect only the person who also wrote him could. Mark Hamill and Greg Kinnear were excellent as well and leaned heavily into their roles, again creating believable, yet absurdly humorous, characters. Matt Walsh deserves a mention as well and kept this story somewhat grounded, in fairly touching ways at times. This narrative was right in my sweet spot of dark humor blended with some heartwarming drama, with a totally fresh and unique story as a backdrop. Now that Mooney is leaving SNL I'd definitely be interested, and am hopeful, to see more original content from him. 8.5/10 Thanks again @cammots for the heads up!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Mike J

Sonic lord king king lord lord evil

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/29/22

Full Review

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Dave McCary

Director

Kyle Mooney

James Pope

Greg Kinnear

Detective Vogel

Matt Walsh

Greg Pope

Michaela Watkins

Louise

Mark Hamill

Ted

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Brigsby Bear: Trailer 1

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Brigsby Bear: Teaser Trailer 1

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

The rash of real-life cases in which women or children were kidnapped and held captive for years has played out on American movie screens as drama (Room), horror (10 Cloverfield Lane), and now cottage cheese.

Apr 13, 2020

Full Review

Donald Clarke

Irish Times

... little of it makes tonal sense.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 11, 2017

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Where the film best succeeds is in creating a credible character who has been insulated from the world he now finds himself flung into.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2017

Full Review

Brian T. Carney

Washington Blade

Mark Hamill is both creepy and creative as the bear’s creator.

Dec 14, 2022

Full Review

Leo Brady

AMovieGuy.com

Director Dave McCary has made an adorable film, celebrating ingenuity, and ones passion for creativity.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 8, 2021

Full Review

Ian Brill

Battleship Pretension

Since James' quest is to complete the Brigsby Bear story, the film becomes a celebration of niche fandom, one that is sweet without denying the gravity of what has occurred.

Apr 13, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

The show "Brigsby Bear Adventures" is a children's television program produced for an audience of one: James Pope. When the series abruptly ends, Pope's life changes forever as he sets out to finish the storyline himself. To do that, he must learn how to cope with the realities of a new world that he knows nothing about.

Director: Dave McCary
Executive Producer: P. Jennifer Dana, Phil Hoelting, Ross Jacobson
Screenwriter: Kevin Costello, Kyle Mooney
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: 3311 Productions, Sony Pictures Classics
Rating: PG-13 (Drug Material|Brief Sexuality|Teen Partying|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 28, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 14, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $532.6K

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