Writer: Anne Jamaludin

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Watch this if you liked: “Despicable Me”, “Space Jam”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”

Who could ever forget (especially the 70s and 80s baby) the classical Hanna Barbera's loveable pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear with his pint-sized sidekick, Boo Boo that makes up some of the animal population at Jellystone Park? This popular franchise receives the motion picture treatment and the furry bears are back in 3D!

This time around, both Yogi (voiced by Dan Aykroyd) and Boo Boo (voiced by surprise, surprise Justin Timberlake) will pack even cheekier scenes and eventually cause the uptight Ranger Smith's life to be burnt down to the ground, literally. Because of a string of convenient circumstances involving Yogi and Boo Boo, Smith (played by a rather endearing Tom Cavanagh) loses his own job, the place he grew up with and even worst, the girl of his dreams, Rachel (played by Anna Faris). Yogi will finally learn the importance of being responsible as he drags Boo Boo to find Ranger Smith so together they could save Jellystone Park's existence from ceasing to exist because of a politician's self importance and greed for power. As typical the plot might seem to be, the story moves at a comfortable speed much to the reviewer's delight.

The CG effects are superb in "Yogi Bear" without a doubt and it is even more of a viewing pleasure if it is in 3D. Voice actors, Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake are great as the dynamic duo and Timberlake nails Boo Boo's sweet voice perfectly. Cavanagh portrays a more fun Ranger Smith than the one that most have grown accustomed to in the old animated series but nevertheless he plays the emotional parts really well that the audience could not help but feel sympathy for him at the right moments, which is every time when Yogi appears. While Faris seems to be her usual funny self which is only slightly different from her role in "The House Bunny" but audience and especially her fans can expect her infamous 'people-imitation' technique in a scene from this movie that will tickle one's funny bones. Though the only one thing the reviewer wishes to see was a lot more humorous scenes, even the slapstick ones because Yogi is not as funny if he only mutters intelligent jokes all the time. But do keep a lookout for the memorable background music and few snippets of familiar television series soundtracks playing during the most unsuspecting moments.

As much as this seems to be a kiddie movie, one can not be too wrong because "Yogi Bear" is a movie that every family will enjoy regardless the age especially for the parents who used to grow up with Yogi and Booboo during their Saturday morning cartoons on television. Also as a bonus, just before the movie begins, the audience will be treated to a fresh, 3D mini episode of Looney Toons' Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner after their last production in more than 20 years ago.

"Yogi Bear" will once again prove that he is smarter than an average bear on the movie screen and his furry coat as well as adorable sidekick will look even better in 3D. Take some time off to catch him at the cinemas for a definite visual surprise.

Cinema Online, 28 January 2011