August 25, 2025

Movie Review: We Bare Bears (2025) – Live Action Family Comedy

The beloved Cartoon Network trio makes the leap to live action in We Bare Bears (2025), a family comedy that’s equal parts silly, sweet, and surprisingly heartfelt. While some longtime fans may find the transition from quirky animation to photorealistic bears a little jarring, the movie captures the spirit of brotherhood and belonging that made the original series so endearing.

The story follows Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear (voiced respectively by Jack Black, Simu Liu, and Steven Yeun) as their peaceful lives in San Francisco are disrupted when a city-wide ordinance threatens to ban “wild animals” from public spaces. Determined not to be separated, the three brothers set out on a road trip to prove they belong — encountering wacky humans, overzealous animal control officers, and, of course, plenty of internet fame along the way.

Visually, the film is a mix of charm and comedy. The bears are brought to life with seamless CGI that manages to balance realism with cartoonish expressiveness. Their clumsy interactions with the human world — trying to order drive-thru burgers, squeezing into subway cars, or going viral on TikTok — provide the biggest laughs.

The voice cast shines. Jack Black infuses Grizz with manic, lovable energy, while Simu Liu nails Panda’s awkward sweetness. Steven Yeun’s deadpan delivery as Ice Bear is pitch-perfect, stealing entire scenes with just a few words. Supporting roles from Awkwafina (as an influencer who helps the bears) and Ken Jeong (as a bumbling park ranger) add plenty of comedy.

Tonally, the film balances goofy slapstick with sincere heart. Themes of family, acceptance, and identity resonate without becoming heavy-handed. Kids will adore the slapstick chaos, while adults will appreciate the clever jokes and the emotional core.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the plot is fairly predictable, following a familiar road-trip comedy formula. Still, the humor, charm, and warmth of the characters carry it through.

Verdict:
We Bare Bears (2025) is a funny, heartfelt live-action debut for the bear brothers, delivering family-friendly laughs and a message about belonging in a world that doesn’t always understand you.

⭐ Rating: 7.6/10