The Country Bears

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

The Country Bears (2002 Movie)

“The Country Bears” is a live-action/animated musical comedy film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It was released in 2002 and directed by Peter Hastings. The film is based on the Disney theme park attraction “Country Bear Jamboree,” which was first introduced at Disneyland in 1972 and later became a popular attraction at other Disney parks.

The story revolves around Beary Barrington, a young bear who feels like an outsider in the human world as he was adopted by a human family. He has always been fascinated by the Country Bear Hall, a music venue where the famous Country Bears used to perform. However, the hall has fallen into disrepair, and the Country Bears have disbanded.

Beary learns that the hall is set to be demolished by Reed Thimple, a conniving banker who wants to convert the land into a toxic waste dump. Determined to save the hall, Beary sets out on a journey to reunite the Country Bears and put on a benefit concert to raise money for the hall’s restoration.

Throughout the film, Beary encounters various quirky and lovable characters from the Country Bear band, each with their own unique personalities and musical talents. The story is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and catchy musical performances that pay homage to classic country music.

“The Country Bears” combines live-action with computer-generated animation to bring the bear characters to life, making it one of the early films to blend these techniques seamlessly.

While “The Country Bears” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it has since gained a cult following among Disney fans, especially those who have fond memories of the original theme park attraction. The film’s catchy music and endearing characters have contributed to its popularity over the years.

Overall, “The Country Bears” is a family-friendly film that celebrates the spirit of friendship, music, and following one’s dreams. It captures the essence of the beloved theme park attraction and brings the charming world of the Country Bears to the big screen for audiences to enjoy.


Fun Facts

The Country Bears (2002 Movie)


Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 2002
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $18 million
  • IMDB Link

Cast

  • Haley Joel Osment: Beary Barrington
  • Elizabeth Daily: Beary Barrington (singing voice)
  • Diedrich Bader: Ted Bedderhead
  • John Hiatt: Ted Bedderhead (singing voice)
  • Candy Ford: Trixie St. Claire
  • Bonnie Raitt: Trixie St. Claire (singing voice)
  • Toby Huss: Tennessee O’Neal
  • Don Henley: Tennessee O’Neal (singing voice)
  • James Gammon: Big Al
  • Brad Garrett: Fred Bedderhea
  • Kevin Michael Richardson: Henry Dixon Taylor
  • Stephen Root: Zeb Zoober
  • Diedrich Bader: Officer Cheets
  • Daryl Mitchell: Officer Hamm
  • M.C. Gainey: Roadie
  • Stephen Tobolowsky: Mr. Norbert Barrington
  • Meagen Fay: Mrs. Barrington
  • Eli Marienthal: Dexter “Dex” Barrington
  • Christopher Walken: Reed Thimple
  • Michael Lawrence Morgan: Young Benny Bogswaggle
  • Alex Rocco: Rip Holland
  • Jennifer Paige: Waitress
  • Jess Harnell: Long-Haired Dude
  • Paul Rugg: TV Reporter
  • Krystal: Herself
  • Don Henley: Himself
  • John Hiatt: Himself
  • Elton John: Himself
  • Queen Latifah: Herself
  • Willie Nelson: Himself
  • Bonnie Raitt: Herself
  • Brian Setzer: Himself
  • Don Was: Himself
  • Wyclef Jean: Himself

Crew

  • Director: Peter Hastings
  • Producers: Andrew Gunn and Jeffrey Chernov
  • Music: Christopher Young

Movie Trailer:




Related Song(s):

Related Park Attractions(s):

    Country Bear Jamboree | Disneyland

    Here is everything you need to know about the extinct Country Bear Jamboree attraction at Disneyland including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


    Country Bear Jamboree | Disney World

    Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s Country Bear Jamboree show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


    Country Bear Vacation Hoedown | Disney World

    Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Country Bear Vacation Hoedown show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!



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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.