Many of us have at least once adhered to some form of unshaken fandom to a character, show or movie. Whether we grow out of it or not, unfeigned admiration of fictitious characters and shows echo feelings of childlike bliss. An integral part of the success of “Brigsby Bear” is the kindred joy of unabashed fandom.
James (Kyle Mooney) possesses a steadfast, cultish adoration for an animatronic bear named Brigsby. The origins of this infatuation are concerningly corrupt, yet manage to evolve into something utmost endearing as this offbeat comedy poignantly unravels. Raised in a bunker by what appear to be his parents, James, a 25-year-old ‘child’ spends the majority of his days religiously watching a VHS-taped series entitled “Brigsby Bear Adventures” — a wonky educational kids’ TV show centered around a bear named Brigsby. The show documents Brigsby’s perpetual battle with the evil Sun Snatcher that has spanned little over 24 seasons. It obviously plays homage to Teddy Ruxpin but brings in the peculiarities of Barney, He-Man, and any other quirky kids’ show from the late ‘80s to early ‘90s.
One day, the FBI arrives and raids James’ secluded home and arrests what he would soon find out to be his captors rather than his parents. James is immediately tossed into the real world. After he meets his real parents, the indifferent and confused protagonist clenches to the one thing he has known and loved so well during his insular life — Brigsby Bear. Soon, James finds solace in the real world by embarking on a mission to make a movie that finishes Brigsby’s quest to defeat Sun Snatcher.
With an atmosphere brimming with a sense of friendship, “Brigsby Bear” is a mirrored product of three childhood pals. Mooney, alongside his friends Dave McCary and Kevin Costello, devise an innocent spirit sparked by VHS eccentricities and a love for filmmaking. McCary in his directorial debut flawlessly navigates between drama and comedy by unearthing happiness through James’ blundered attempts to fit into society.
As would anyone standing in his shoes, James has his highs and lows while journeying through his new life. These moments aren’t manipulative but are deeply felt and genuine portrayals of naiveté. Kyle Mooney’s performance as James pumps the beating, endearing heart of “Brigsby Bear” as his commitment to sustaining his character’s callowness pays off with every pan-faced joke uttered in hilarity. Impressing with a performance that harmonizes between stoic wit and a pervasive charm, Mooney makes it just so easy to cheer for this… man-child.
With James’ new-found love for filmmaking, the tone of this movie shifts from one focused on his societal transition and into an inspiring project reliant on community, collaboration and friendship. Initially, James’ crusade to give Brigsby the appropriate conclusion appears to impede his growth as a functional component of society. However, his sympathetic friends gradually warm up to his oddball personality and soon help him achieve his vision by pushing his passion-project into a dream fulfilled by communal benevolence.
Operating as a coping mechanism within his transition, James’ efforts to cap off his beloved show aid in mending suppressed anguish through the universal and cooperative language of cinema. Even more so, his endeavors serve as an appropriate metaphor — a cathartic and humorous love letter dedicated to creativity and the redemptive power of a childlike mindset.
A kind and clever indie comedy, “Brigsby Bear” charms from the very beginning, with emotion, heartbreak, and humor. Bearing a radiant heart and an expanded imagination, “Brigsby Bear” is what James would probably describe as “Dope as shit!” It’s a movie grounded in honesty and parades the pleasantries of humanity, yet it doesn’t forget that it’s a comedy produced by The Lonely Island.
Surprisingly, one may find it easy to get choked up as the film’s closing scenes rears its head, but that is what happens when a film this sweet renders altruism and synergy cinematic merit. “Brigsby Bear” is easily the biggest surprise film of the year and is worth every laugh and tear that it brings. [A-]