“Brigsby Bear” (2017) - Sam Gall Movie Review Issue #36 Gem Mint 10.0

“Brigsby Bear” (2017) directed by Dave McCary

“After being freed from his life in an underground bunker, a man sets out to make a movie of the only TV show he has ever known.”

You might like this if you like: Kyle Mooney, Saturday Night Live, Mark Hamill, Alexa Demie, The Lonely Island, Andy Samberg, comedy, dramedies, "Palm Springs" (2020), 80s nostalgia, Sundance selections (if you don’t trust mine haha)

Kyle Mooney in "Brigsby Bear" (2017)

One of the most inventive and heartfelt films I’ve seen in years. I’ve watched it multiple times now and it just keeps getting better. It just sparks that love and joy I have for creativity and filmmaking.

I first heard about the picture through being a fan of Saturday Night Live (not just the classics but everything up until now). Kyle Mooney is an underrated star in my eyes who I absolutely love on SNL as well as his YouTube comedy channel. If I remember correctly I saw Andy Samberg share something on his Twitter about the film and immediately checked it out. It’s essentially a Lonely Island production seeing as Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone produced it. It was the first time I saw Alexa Demie long before “Mid90s” (2018) and “Euphoria” (2019-). Always, always excited to see Mark Hamill in anything. He did what he does best at in this film but also got to see a new and dramatic side. Greg Kinnear is outstanding in this. Claire Danes was just the icing on top. There’s too many great people and performances to name. It’s a fantastic cast!

Kyle Mooney (left) & Mark Hamill (right) in "Brigsby Bear" (2017)

On top of being just a beautiful, strange and hilarious story it was shot so seriously. Almost has a science fiction/drama look to it. I really love when comedies aren’t shot (or lit) like comedies. Cinematographer, Christian Springer (“Atlanta” 2016-2018, “The Rental” 2020), brings a magical and gorgeous look to the film.

Kate Lyn Sheil (left) & Brigsby Bear (right) in "Brigsby Bear" (2017)

One of my biggest fears is the fear of not being understood. I think this story captures that feeling perfectly and that moment when you find the one person or people who do. It’s a tale of being an outsider and being yourself. Not trying to be someone else or fit in. A classic story told through a unique and heartwarming lens.

"Brigsby Bear" (2017)

I don’t want to say too much because it’s a fairy tale you have to see for yourself. I feel like they made two films at once with this film. So much went into it. They basically came up with their own television show within the idea of this film. It’s crazy. I love it. It just sparks the creativity side of the brain in such an exciting and inventive way. If you need a good feel, sweet and funny film it’s right here waiting. It’s got some weirdness to it but the whole film is about embracing life’s weirdness. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Kyle Mooney, you are my hero!

Written by Sam Gall on 08/15/20

CGC Grading: Gem Mint 10.0

Official Trailer:

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