Overall Rating: Score: 8.1/10
Grade: A-
Family-Friendliness Scale: Level 5 (Recommended)
Kids ages 3+
Haven't we done the same thing over and over again? That's exactly how Yogi feels.
Based on the popular cartoons, the first Hanna-Barbera theatrical release begins with all the bears in Jellystone Park waking up after hibernating for the winter. Cindy is determined to get Yogi to love her, while Yogi feels like he has to continue swiping pic-a-nic baskets. So when Ranger Smith foils all of his plans, Yogi comes up with a plan to try and get the "Do not feed the bears" signs to go by telling Ranger Smith that he "wants out!". Coincidentally however, Ranger Smith was looking for a bear to ship over to the San Diego Zoo, and ends up sending Yogi to meet a truck. Not going as he had planned it, Yogi switches places with another bear and runs deep into the forest, swiping pic-a-nic baskets as "The Brown Phantom". Cindy, heartbroken by the news that Yogi has "left Jellystone", decides to steal food for herself in order to get shipped out. Ranger Smith soon catches Cindy and ships her to the St. Louis Zoo (she doesn't find out for herself until she's on a train). During the train ride, Cindy's crate falls off and she is later found by a cash-obsessed circus, who forces her to do a high-wire act. Overhearing Ranger Smith's phone conversation, Yogi and Boo Boo go on a cross-country trip to bring Cindy back home.
Positive Notes
The film focuses on one primary, important lesson: Focusing on others than yourself. Yogi has always focused on stealing pic-a-nic baskets, and in this film, he learns to think of Cindy's needs, rather than his. Cindy also learns that she can't just win Yogi over through persuasion, she needs to let him take his own time (and it works in the end). Solid examples on finding your courage and self-sacrifice.
For a 1964 film, the animation is pretty good. Hanna-Barbera were masters of this craft back then, and they provide colorful backgrounds and characters. Perhaps the best thing about the film is its' unique and memorable songs. They're not like Disney's musical numbers, but "Ven-e, Ven-o, Ven-a" is a ballad masterpiece (brilliantly sung by James Darren).
The voice artists do a nice job bringing their characters to life, with the legendary Daws Butler as Yogi, Don Messick as Boo Boo and Ranger Smith, and Julie Bennett as Cindy Bear.
Negative Notes
Comparing it to other films aimed at children, it makes me happy to report that this movie has NONE.
Not necessarily negative, but for the most sensitive of 2 and 3 year olds, there are a few mildly tense chases.
Conclusion
The animated films released back in the 60's and 70's were more family-friendly than what today's animated movies offer. And it makes sense, movies altogether were cleaner back two decades before that time, its'
just modern society and worldviews have caught up with entertainment nowadays.
And that's what makes this Yogi Bear one of the most family-friendly movies I've ever seen. There's no violence, toilet humor, or mild profanity that some of today's movies may carry. Its' one of those rare films that parents can watch and be charmed by the films' adorable story and toe-tapping tunes, without having to be concerned about any eye-rolling gags.
So as far as a movie night is concerned, this musical adventure is the perfect choice for a young child's first movie, and a great choice for any age.
