[REVIEW] Disney Nature Bears

I grew up watching Wild Kingdom and Wild America on PBS – not really because I loved watching it, at least not at first. It was because we didn’t have cable, and cartoons were over. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed watching. My favorite thing to do was to try to attribute human qualities to the animals’ behaviors on screen. I’d try to think of what that moose could be saying with that look, or what a particular flick of a deer’s tail could mean, if he had the mind of a man.

Once Disney Nature started doing films similar to the ones I grew up with, we made it an Earth Day tradition to go check out whatever was the latest one out. I think I was more into it than the kids for those first few films.

Synopsis: In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska! ~ Disney Nature

Moms will totally relate to this movie. The momma bear in this film has two cubs to provide for and protect, and the world just seems too big, and too harsh to try to manage it all. Welcome to my life. Ever tried to breastfeed when you are hungry yourself? How about trying to keep track of two restless, hungry kids while standing in line balancing three plates, a purse, and a diaper bag and bring food back to the table from the buffet? What about when someone goes after your kid and tries to do them harm – mentally or physically? We momma bears get it.

Ready to check it out? It opens nationwide today, April 18th – after you see it, come back and let me know what you thought…

Now what you come to this website for!

Did it earn the G Rating? It is fine for all ages – I think. No scenes of bears making babies, so those questions probably won’t come up, unless your kids were on the edge of having that discussion with you anyway. It does get kind of scary at times, and there are a couple of fight scenes, but even very little ones should be okay. You know what I say – you know your kids better than I do. If they are freaked out by fighting animals, you may want to wait a year or two.

Bottom line. Should you go see it? Oh of course. It is certainly a family movie, and you won’t have to leave anyone at home. It also gives you a chance to talk about conservation, habitats, and wildlife in America.

Should I take the kids to see it? Yes! I think it is a great outing, especially for homeschooling families. You can get an hour and some change of science in… with popcorn! Kids might think it is gross (bears don’t exactly eat with a knife, fork, and napkin), and if your little ones are anything like mine, they’ll make observations like this one…