Disneynature’s Bears is the seventh film of their “nature series” released so far, yet the first I've ever seen in theaters. My fiancée and I were coaxed into seeing it 50% for the bears and the other half for the promise that part of our ticket purchase would be donated to the National Park Foundation (during its opening week). Despite the partial guilt tripping, Bears turned out to be a sincerely enjoyable experience. The simple story (narrated by John C. Reilly) follows a mother bear (Sky) and her two cubs (Scout and Amber) an entire year as they traverse throughout an Alaskan wild life preserve. Similar to Disneynature’s earlier productions, the film’s setting is absolutely breathtaking; showcasing beautiful scenery such as snow-white mountain ranges, meadows full of vibrant flowers, and aerial views of beach-side mud flats. The film’s isolated setting possesses a tranquil feeling that could have simply worked on its own, but then of course the film wouldn't have been called Bears.
For a film I expected to be sweet and gentle (which it can be at times), Bears contains some pretty intense moments throughout. We’re consistently reminded how unlikely the bear cubs chances of survival are their first year alive; which is backed up with scenes of hungry predators (such as alpha bears and a sneaky wolf) trying to kill them. It doesn't stop there however, as it turns out if Sky can’t eat enough protein (mainly from salmon) before next winter, she won’t have enough milk for her cubs to survive hibernating. Nonetheless, Sky can’t eat the necessary amount of salmon without leaving her cubs vulnerable to other prey; developing a bleak setting that’s honestly pretty dark for a family film (though considering it’s real life nature, in addition to being a Disney film, perhaps I shouldn't be too surprised). Overall I liked Disneynature's Bears; it’s simple, sincere, breathtaking and surprisingly engaging. The film even has a behind the scenes look during the credits at how the cameramen filmed these creatures; it wasn't necessary, but extra additions always come greatly appreciated by a viewer such as me.