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6.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Bear Shooters remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so if you're into the old 'Our Gang' shorts, or just curious about classic comedy from *way* back, then 'Bear Shooters' is probably worth a peek. It's got that undeniable charm of kids just being kids, even when they're facing down some pretty clumsy villains. If you need slick production values or a story that twists and turns, though, you'll likely be bored stiff. This one's for the nostalgia crowd, or maybe film history buffs. 🎬
The whole setup with the gang deciding to camp out is just precious. They're so earnest, building their little fort, trying to cook over an open fire. You can practically smell the smoky air through the screen. Bobby 'Wheezer' Hutchins, man, his little voice, it just *gets* you every time.
Then the poachers show up, and they're less menacing, more just... *ineffective*. Bob Kortman and Charlie Hall, they play these guys with such broad strokes, you almost feel sorry for them. Almost. Their whole scheme to catch a bear, well, it's not exactly top-tier criminal mastermind stuff. 🐻
The star of the show, honestly, might be Pete the Dog. He's always on point. His reactions, the way he interacts with the kids and the 'bear'—he’s just a pro. He really sells the danger, even when the human actors are leaning into the goofy.
And speaking of the bear, oh boy. The bear costume is *definitely* a product of its time. You kinda have to suspend a lot of disbelief, and maybe squint a bit, but that's part of the fun, right? It's that charming, handmade feel of early cinema. It doesn't quite move like a real animal, if you know what I mean.
Norman 'Chubby' Chaney has some great physical comedy moments, naturally. The way he scrambles around, it's just pure joy to watch. You forget how much these kids committed to their parts. And Farina, always the clever one, seems to be plotting three steps ahead. His eyes always have that spark. ✨
The pacing is quick, as these shorts usually were. No time to get bored. One minute they're setting up camp, the next they're dodging a fake bear and outsmarting grown-ups. It moves along, always.
The scene where they're all hiding and trying to figure out what to do, it feels so authentic for kids in that situation. That genuine teamwork, even with the squabbles, is something these shorts always did well. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters, and for a few minutes, it really does.
It’s not some grand cinematic achievement, don't get me wrong. But for a short burst of innocent fun and a peek into what entertained audiences nearly a century ago, 'Bear Shooters' delivers. It's simple, a bit silly, and just a nice little escape. 👍
IMDb 5.7
1929
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