Film Review: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake Sink in Horrible ‘Yogi Bear’

CHICAGO – “Yogi Bear,” the latest degradation in the cynical family film 3D marketing universe, has done the improbable. It has taken notable and nostalgic cartoon characters (Yogi and Boo Boo) and turned them into animatronic shills for a post modern bore of a story that wouldn’t work if Fellini were directing it. Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake sell out (I mean lend) their voice talents.

Rating: 0.5/5.0

Yogi Bear (voice of Aykroyd) and Boo Boo (Timberlake), live in Jellystone Park, a freakishly idyllic National Wildlife Preserve. Yogi continuously bothers Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) as he continuously launches plots to steal “pick-a-nic” baskets from unsuspecting park patrons. He is aided by the wacky Ranger Jones (T.J. Miller), a clueless associate who seeks the top job.

Circumstances take a turn when Rachel (Anna Faris), a comely nature documentary maker (aren’t they all comely?) comes to Jellystone to chronicle the talking bears (who wouldn’t?). Ranger Smith is smitten by Rachel, and awkwardly begins to pursue the relationship. At the same time, the evil mayor (Andrew Daly) of Jellystone-Ville – here called “the city”– wants to close Jellystone and sell the timber rights to fund his coffers, helped by his Chief of Staff (Nathan Corddry).

Will Yogi and Boo Boo, despite exasperating Ranger Smith on a daily basis, help Rachel and the Ranger save the park? Of course. Have you ever been to a “family” film before?

”Yogi Bear,” in 3D opens everywhere on December 17th. Featuring Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Faris, Tom Cavanagh, T.J. Miller, Nathan Corddry. Screenplay by Jeffery Ventimilla, Joshua Sternin and Brad Copeland, directed by Eric Brevig. Rated “PG”