Review: Brigsby Bear

There are plenty of films that come out of Sundance Film Festival that I would never usually go out and see. This particular film must be the very definition of a festival film.

This passion project by director Dave McCary and leading actor Kyle Mooney, have moved on from their adventures on Saturday Night Live, and have made something that is getting nothing but high praise throughout the festival circuit this year.

The beginning of the movie is hard to work out what is going on and is almost surreal. I was seeing comparisons to Room or 10 Cloverfield Lane early on, and was fearing this would be too strange and quirky for its own good.

But when events started unfolding and you start to work out the situation, you managed to be embraced with the story at the same time. Once that is settled, you are along for such a memorable ride and one highly enjoyable viewing experience.

The cast all contribute beautifully to the cause, but it is the lead Kyle Mooney that is dominating the screen. It is easy to forget that a lot of comedic actors can play drama really well. The best example has always been Jim Carrey, whose best work for me is in two dramas 'Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind' and 'The Truman Show' despite being associated more with this comedies such as 'Dumb & Dumber', 'Ace Venture: Pet Detective', 'Liar Liar' and many more.

Mooney's performances was so genuine that you almost that what we're seeing is a real-world situation unfolding right in front of us. I hope this gives him the breakthrough into many more film roles.

While I think everyone in their supporting and minor roles were great, I wouldn't say there were any particular stand-outs. The strongest and most memorable one probably came from Greg Kinnear. He's given enough content and conjure up scene-stealing moments.

It was also great seeing Mark Hamill in something outside of Star Wars. If people know about Hamill's amazing voice-work in various animations, then you'll be please to know that they make clever use of those skills that he possesses.

The films strengths are definitely in its originality, which is enhanced by its strong writing. It instantly reminded me of how important your upbringing and influences define you as a person.

I don't even have negatives to mention. So it's all about the strength of the story and how much it affected me.

So while the story is so strange, it ends up being so sweet, charming and utterly wonderful. It is film that wonderfully portrays the art of film-making, story-telling, imagination, creativity and that is well-written, and told at such a gentle and jolly pace. Mooney is just brilliant and gives us one of the most delightful and sincere performances I have seen for years. There are plenty of laughs to be head. They might not be clever on like an Edgar Wright level, but it works every time.

If you think there is a lack of refreshing new stories, this will bring back your love of cinema.

I strongly recommend you go out of your way and check this out, as its films like this that deserve a strong box-office. Plus, I think maybe the less you know about it, the better. You won't instantly get into the story, but when you do, just can't help but smile and laugh along with these wonderful character. You see this phrase on umpteen posters, but I truly think this could be the feel-good film of the year.

Rating: 9/10