Movie review: Yogi Bear in 3D *

Yogi Bear in 3D  *

Stars: Dan Akroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Faris
Director: Eric Brevig
Rated: PG
Showing: Speciality Cinema daily at 1/3:30/6/8:30pm. For more information about film times, call 292-2135.
Runtime: 80 minutes
Animation/family/comedy

The world’s most famous picnic basket thief finally gets his own movie at the ripe age of 52 — but the loveable bear won’t have you roaring with laughter.

Yogi, one of the most popular characters from the Hanna-Barbera family, has had his inner rascal tamed and become too cutesy, so only little kids will really get a kick out of this live action and animation adventure.

It’s Jellystone Park’s 100th anniversary but attendance is down and Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly) is threatening to close and sell it to pay the city’s debts. Since when does a mayor have the authority to sell a national park?

That small plot flaw aside, the action follows Yogi (Dan Akroyd) and sidekick Boo-Boo’s (Justin Timberlake) attempts to save their home with the help of Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh).

The slapstick comedy will only really appeal to children and the best gags are traditional ones focusing on Yogi’s ingenious plots to steal picnic baskets. The 3D adds some interest, notably scenes involving whitewater rafting and a flying machine.

Watch if you liked: Garfield.