Cute with the typical amateurish qualities that make gay films of this nature either charming or painful, depending upon your sensibilities. The acting is earnest but decidedly nonprofessional. The only standout is Gregory Gunter, whose character (Michael) is utterly compelling and which Gunter plays with pathos and humor but not self-pity. Gerald McCulloch as Roger is large unwatchable, though it's hard to tell whether it's because his character is such a d***head or because the actor's own ego kept popping through. (If you watch his endless interview after in the DVD highlights, you'll see what I mean.) It's tough to make a film centered around bar culture without making it seem petty, vulgar, soul-crushing, and at least occasionally self-destructive; and it's an open question whether the directors nudged a bit to highlight those aspects or whether they were simply recording cinéma vérité. With all the sweetness that comes through in the struggles of the film's couples (complete with serious and often over-the-top drama), the film's central mystery remains what Tyler (Joe Conti) could possibly see in Roger, a smarmy, shallow, ego-bloated scene queen who not once but half a dozen times snubs Tyler to his face because Tyler isn't bear enough or muscley enough (or something enough) for the superficial, middle-class-white-boys-with-gym-memberships crowd by which Roger judges himself and his actions. Or, to put it another way, you may never understand why Tyler falls for and pursues Roger (to the extent of giving himself a makeover –a move that likely guarantees the doom of any relationship) and you'll certainly find yourself asking whether he has a shred of self-esteem in his body. The fact that Roger isn't what anyone could reasonably call a bear only adds to the confusion. Personally, I'd have gone for a little less Jennifer Anniston-esque comedy and paid a little more attention to the serious and genuinely dramatic (as opposed to simply flamboyant) issues that the film skates over like thin ice before turning safely back to shore: self-esteem issues among big men and the difficulty of cultivating and maintaining a positive body image in a gay "culture" ruled by gym Nazis and diet maniacs; the painful issue that's raised in the Michael-Carlos couple when Michael considers getting lap-band surgery (is he going to wind up so thin that Carlos won't be attracted to him anymore?); the double "coming out" required of non-bears who are attracted to men who are hairy and/or fat and/or older than they are and who face ridicule for their desires; and the uneasy co-existence of working-class bears and their middle- to upper-class counterparts who wear similar drag and occupy the same physical spaces in which "bear culture" is practiced but who, arguably, are essentially antagonists. _Bear City_ seems to intend to be a coup against the slavish cultural propaganda promulgated by so many "gay" indie films, but it's more of a bitch slap than the good hard sock in the jaw that's needed. Still, the film deserves credit for its beau geste and for starting a conversation within a medium that tends to pretend it doesn't understand the question.
18 Reviews
Another mediocre indie film about queer culture
gilligan-119 January 2011
I honestly wish I could say that "Bear City" is not your typical indie gay comedy—and indeed some elements of the film differentiate it from most of the other gay indie comedies that seem to sprout up like toadstools these days. But those very elements that distinguish this film—the focus on bear culture, the bashful twink who "comes out" as a bear-lover, and the depiction of love and sex among gay men who do not resemble Abercrombie & Fitch models—are so thoroughly transformed into standardized gay tropes that the movie is ultimately stripped of its originality and settles into a formulaic, plot-less pattern of mildly amusing vignettes with no real focus or story structure. We are ultimately left with vapid platitudes assuring us that bears don't need to conform to queer norms of beauty in order to find love and happiness. And it takes them only 90 minutes to deliver this profound and provocative message (YAWN).
It's OK, promotes the fat minority and mocks the healthy bears
crazyzubr6 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Was disappointed that once again the Big & Beautiful crowd have hijacked the whole Bear concept. Yes there are morbidly obese Bears out there but they do not make up the majority like this film projects. Anyone healthy is made fun of, anyone who wants to live a few years longer and lose weight is looked upon with disdain. There was some really goodlooking guys in the film, and the Muscle Bears were good to see. If you go anywhere in the world you will see guys with paunches, but not anywhere near the obese sloths like this movie portrays. Most of the guys you see in Europe and Asia are healthy, hairy and unashamed masculine. This movie is catty queens in flannel.
With All Of Its Flaws, Bear City was Quite A Lot Of Fun
ethaskins8 August 2011
It's nice to see a movie about Bears. There are not that many out there. The scene stealers were Brian Keane and Stephen Guarino. If the movie was just about them, it would've gotten a ten. They were extremely funny and very cute together. They had the best scenes. I love the shower/threesome scene; that had my husbear and I reeling with laughter. I didn't quite understand the whole attraction with Roger's character. Tyler would've been better off not having anything to do with Roger. Also, it was a little too sickly sweet with Carlos and Michael, but I still liked it. All in all, an extremely enjoyable film. I am looking forward to the sequel.
This hairy adventure is an instant favourite.
paulclaassen3 November 2022
'BearCity' is the name of a 'bear' event. No, not grizzly bears or the kind you find at your local zoo. Bear refers here to the gay term for a hairy, bigger set man, or muscular. As someone who enjoys a hairy, manly physique, it was inevitable for me to watch 'BearCity', and it didn't disappoint! In fact, 'BearCity' is not only one of the best gay films I've seen, but also one of the best comedy dramas.
The film dishes up humour and drama in equal proportions, and features likable, relatable characters. The characters are well cast, and the performances are superb. Throw in a great script, good camera work, a good soundtrack, and you have a winning recipe. 'BearCity' follows 'twink' Tyler entering the hairy world of bears - erm, no pun intended, off course!
Tyler rents a room from gay couple Fred and Brent, and through them he meets their bear friends, and falls in love with the hunky Roger (excellently portrayed by Gerald McCullouch). 'BearCity' is a romantic film in every essence of the word. This was so much better and more believable than most straight romantic comedies out there. The characters felt very real, and their situations were very real. Michael - a heavily overweight man - is one of my favourite characters, whom I rooted for every step of the way. I absolutely love this character, portrayed by Gregory Gunter.
'BearCity' deals with so many themes, genres and elements all wrapped up in a film that is never raunchy despite it's premise and set-up. The clever photography only allows you to see enough to prevent the film from becoming porn in some instances.
'BearCity' will make you happy and sad, laugh and cry, and darn well will entertain you! (Note there is not a single female character...)
The film dishes up humour and drama in equal proportions, and features likable, relatable characters. The characters are well cast, and the performances are superb. Throw in a great script, good camera work, a good soundtrack, and you have a winning recipe. 'BearCity' follows 'twink' Tyler entering the hairy world of bears - erm, no pun intended, off course!
Tyler rents a room from gay couple Fred and Brent, and through them he meets their bear friends, and falls in love with the hunky Roger (excellently portrayed by Gerald McCullouch). 'BearCity' is a romantic film in every essence of the word. This was so much better and more believable than most straight romantic comedies out there. The characters felt very real, and their situations were very real. Michael - a heavily overweight man - is one of my favourite characters, whom I rooted for every step of the way. I absolutely love this character, portrayed by Gregory Gunter.
'BearCity' deals with so many themes, genres and elements all wrapped up in a film that is never raunchy despite it's premise and set-up. The clever photography only allows you to see enough to prevent the film from becoming porn in some instances.
'BearCity' will make you happy and sad, laugh and cry, and darn well will entertain you! (Note there is not a single female character...)
Why can't bear movies be about BEARS?
pieandicecream27 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The two main characters are a "twink" and a "silver daddy". Neither is a bear. Almost all their FRIENDS are various types of bears, but they aren't. And the romance isn't that good, is basically about one character getting over his worry that his friends won't like his new boyfriend if they get together. And of course, in the end, they don't care at all.
The supporting characters have the best lines and situations. I wish the MAIN STORY were as interesting.
This is reminding me of "Bear Nation", which is essentially a collection of interviews of bear CHASERS.
Is there some reason that "bear" movies can't have bears at their lead characters?
The supporting characters have the best lines and situations. I wish the MAIN STORY were as interesting.
This is reminding me of "Bear Nation", which is essentially a collection of interviews of bear CHASERS.
Is there some reason that "bear" movies can't have bears at their lead characters?
Decent Introduce to the world of "BearCity"
FallsDownz10 January 2016
BearCity is a movie that not hiding about talking topic like gay and it goes deeper than that it's explore the 'Bear' in gay culture which is kind a popular actually.
The thing i like about this film is it's exploring the unique topic like not being just gay but being gay while loving older men or so call 'Bear' and goes to explore problem of these kind of relationship which the main problem actually is the age gap different which cause different opinion and physical problem like health .
the problem is the directing and script is just mediocre script is cliché and every conflict seems too easy to solve without much problem not counting the fact that almost every conflict in this movie is just shallow while the directing is just bland i mean it's not like boring but it's just nothing unique at all makes the movie unmemorable which is a shame since this kind of topic is really unique unfortunately the execution is not that great .
BUT it's still a decent movie though it's a fun movie that has unique on it's own with fun laugh and real life issue even it's has a lot of flaws.
The thing i like about this film is it's exploring the unique topic like not being just gay but being gay while loving older men or so call 'Bear' and goes to explore problem of these kind of relationship which the main problem actually is the age gap different which cause different opinion and physical problem like health .
the problem is the directing and script is just mediocre script is cliché and every conflict seems too easy to solve without much problem not counting the fact that almost every conflict in this movie is just shallow while the directing is just bland i mean it's not like boring but it's just nothing unique at all makes the movie unmemorable which is a shame since this kind of topic is really unique unfortunately the execution is not that great .
BUT it's still a decent movie though it's a fun movie that has unique on it's own with fun laugh and real life issue even it's has a lot of flaws.
Lots fo Yawn, Little Whoof
jamesmccormack13 July 2012
Not totally awful since there are a few hot guys scattered throughout the film. But a weak script with even weaker acting and very sluggish direction do not make much of a film. Yes, In know it is an indie, but let us stop making excuses for indie films. The film revolves around the Tyler character and his coming out in the bear scene. Everyone in the film is so crazy over this Tyler guy but he just is not all that. Highpoint of he film, if that is what you want to call it, is a hilariously bad scene of Tyler learning how to bowl. The marketing department promotes this film as channeling the Sex in the City series. Not even close. Another subplot has to to with a character who wants to get his stomach stapled. And yet another subplot is about a bear couple trying to decide if they want to "open up their relationship." All in all, the is movie that goes nowhere and is deadly boring along the way. My advice: go rent anything but this film
Great movie!
kenneth-pino11 July 2012
I can't believe some of the reviews I read above... This is a C-O-M-E-D-Y so of course you will have stereotypes, because they ARE funny. I think the script is funny, the actors are fantastic, in a simple and cute plot. Just enjoy a simple comedy, don't go looking for the ultimate masterpiece of human drama. For those of you who complain about this "stereotype" film, I am sorry to break it to you but this is very much how it is: muscle bears, far bears, cubs, crazy sex, drugs, fun, fantastic queen bears, older with younger, handsome with ugly, sexy and sexier.
Stop the denial.
Stop the denial.
Awful!
mike-wakinshaw29 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This film is awful, the script is dreadful, the characters aren't believable in any way apart from the couple affectionately known as "Bert & Ernie".
The main character of Roger would not be interested in Tyler, Roger likes MEN, he's into gym bears and no way would fall for Tyler (watch the film and see why, borrow a copy, don't waste your money buying it) plus he's to much in love with himself to be in love with anyone else!
this could have been a good film, the trailer is actually better than the film but to may things let it down, how they managed to get the funding for a 2nd film is beyond me!
The main character of Roger would not be interested in Tyler, Roger likes MEN, he's into gym bears and no way would fall for Tyler (watch the film and see why, borrow a copy, don't waste your money buying it) plus he's to much in love with himself to be in love with anyone else!
this could have been a good film, the trailer is actually better than the film but to may things let it down, how they managed to get the funding for a 2nd film is beyond me!
I laughed and I cried and I want to see it again!
radiantoak19 September 2010
A movie is good when a script is plausible, the directing taking risks while making smart, wise choices, the actors loose themselves and find an inner voice, and the music, wardrobe, location and atmosphere comprehensively transport me from my personal reality to the reality of the "living" movie. It is under this simplified rendition of how I watch movies, that judge whether a movie is good.
I do not project my past onto the art of the movie makers.
I go to movies to escape from my here and now and to go on the creative journeys others provide. The only question is: Is the movie a complete trip, as described above, to sustain my journey, my escape.
So, did BearCity take me on a journey? Yes! All the necessary pieces were in place. There was humor and anger, laughter and louder laughter, and with each scene, the plot and tension pulled me in deeper and deeper. There were no serious or minor missteps that made me remember I was escaping.
At movie's end, I - like 80 percent of the audience who journeyed with me - stood and applauded. So, while my life and the lives of the character's may not be trace the same biographical story, the movie itself provided me with a journey into another life, another world where I could wholly believe in life. 9 out of 10.
I do not project my past onto the art of the movie makers.
I go to movies to escape from my here and now and to go on the creative journeys others provide. The only question is: Is the movie a complete trip, as described above, to sustain my journey, my escape.
So, did BearCity take me on a journey? Yes! All the necessary pieces were in place. There was humor and anger, laughter and louder laughter, and with each scene, the plot and tension pulled me in deeper and deeper. There were no serious or minor missteps that made me remember I was escaping.
At movie's end, I - like 80 percent of the audience who journeyed with me - stood and applauded. So, while my life and the lives of the character's may not be trace the same biographical story, the movie itself provided me with a journey into another life, another world where I could wholly believe in life. 9 out of 10.
OK...So
hodger_201013 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
yes - lots of Eye candy... BUT horrible acting, cheesy dialogue, annoying/ bazaar soundtrack- and that Simon dude?-- within 1 minute of watching his overblown, high school acting class wannabe bullsh*t... i wanted to slap the sh*t out of him- all my friends said i needed to watch this movie- i hate my friends now :P (not really but come on guys!?!!?) this flick is dripping with Bear / Gay stereo types and over blown schmaltz - the last tear jerker scean? - jerked me from my 85 minute coma and i hit the eject- it is now on its way back to Netflix HQ- weighing 400+ pounds is not heart healthy- it will lead to a harsh and complicated death- get the surgery if you can't control yourself- sheesh- i would think that would be the over-riding issue - not that the surgery could go wrong- i know a lot of people that got it done and they are fine- they still struggle with their diet control - but at least their vital signs are stable...finally-
I won't be rushing to watch the sequel
Gordon-1115 February 2015
This film tells the story of a young slim man who is embarrassed by his attraction to older plump men. He finds love via a series of unlikely mishaps.
"BearCity" is hailed as the bear version of "Sex and the City". Though it is clearly the filmmaker's attempt to do so, the result is a less glamorous and more ridiculous version of "Sex and the City". The acting is bad consistently across the board, and the story is full of clichés and even ridiculous moments. Are we really expected to believe that someone spilling coffee on his T shirt would remove that T shirt at once? And the numerous romantic moments always get truncated by expected appearances of other people? And the scene of trying clothes on - oh that's exactly when they want to be "Sex and the City" like, but the result is painful to watch! I won't be rushing to watch the sequel.
"BearCity" is hailed as the bear version of "Sex and the City". Though it is clearly the filmmaker's attempt to do so, the result is a less glamorous and more ridiculous version of "Sex and the City". The acting is bad consistently across the board, and the story is full of clichés and even ridiculous moments. Are we really expected to believe that someone spilling coffee on his T shirt would remove that T shirt at once? And the numerous romantic moments always get truncated by expected appearances of other people? And the scene of trying clothes on - oh that's exactly when they want to be "Sex and the City" like, but the result is painful to watch! I won't be rushing to watch the sequel.
Dull and mediocre
css-8995115 September 2018
So What Else is New?
robtaday10 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Okay. I am old skool, back when Harvey was still alive and Sylvester screamed Do ya Wanna Funk? Guys went to bathhouses as a group, like it was a club; the whole Y-M-C-A thing.
I spent a lot of time in a mixed group of straights and gays and the pathos and drama have not changed at all. The insecurities, the depression, the self-loathing - still there.
I knew many many couples who were never monogamous - ever. This was back when it was expected that ANY delivery boy, phone installer, etc. was going to have sex with you - and they did. This was before dating sites on the Web or even cell phone chats. When it was an effort to see a gay porn movie and there were maybe the same dozen guys in every film - two of them black!!! Fat guys? Are you kidding? "Silver" guys? Get outta here. Bald guys? Uh uh. Nope. Too many muscles were even seen as denoting an empty-headed jock. Chest hair was a must. Men were wanted not pubeless boys. Delivery boys and prison scenes were about it - and hitchhikers. And nothing was Gonzo or hand-held or "amateur" in your bedroom either. ALL the military guys were actors too. Heck, they didn't even bother to cut their hair!!! It was the time of the gay magazine.
Anyway, the guys I knew who considered themselves as having "lovers" would always be seen at the bars too. Spend time alone with them and you usually found that if they were not having sex, they fought, and generally could not stand each other; they could not really be alone together and just do nothing. So they had to always surround themselves with the "gang." Everything was about cruising, scoring, new meat on the block. Nobody but nobody had a "supportive" family. Hell, why do you think they left Des Moines?
As for Bear City, I guess it is right that everyone find his crowd for support. It is just so contrived and so much work has to go into creating a reality for themselves. US against the world.
As for these characters, the only fun part was the three-way with Uncle Milton or whatever. That dolt could not even remember HAVING the threesome. Of course this only came about because of pressure to spice up our relationship. So many daddy issues in this film too. I found the so-called hot boy dismally annoying and his so- called Silver Daddy love interest an insecure loser.
I had no idea the back room orgies at bars still happened. None at all. Nice they show the occasional condom but in the shower with the water running? I doubt it. Oh yeah, they call that barebacking. And of course every bar has its so-called hottest guy who has had everybody and has first dibs on any chickens. BEWARE
And the whole thing with the cute cub and his 400 lb daddy bear and the kid being so upset that daddy might actually lose weight was absurd. How does a kid like that get so hung up on a slob like that? No offense to the slob, but come on. I know there are guys who go for fat chicks too but that just proves my point. I do not think it is normal for some Brazilian hottie to be ga-ga over a 400 lb guy. I don't. The guy has issues.
All-in-all, I could see myself talking to these guys but hanging out with them would only bring me down. The mad cruising, the anonymous groping, the constant double-entendres are fun for awhile but after that I think people to to face reality and grow up. It may be boring but at least it is real. Men were not meant to be married to each other and that is why it does not really work. It doesn't. Opposites attract and that means biologically mostly. The rest is just lust and it is fleeting. Good luck though.
I spent a lot of time in a mixed group of straights and gays and the pathos and drama have not changed at all. The insecurities, the depression, the self-loathing - still there.
I knew many many couples who were never monogamous - ever. This was back when it was expected that ANY delivery boy, phone installer, etc. was going to have sex with you - and they did. This was before dating sites on the Web or even cell phone chats. When it was an effort to see a gay porn movie and there were maybe the same dozen guys in every film - two of them black!!! Fat guys? Are you kidding? "Silver" guys? Get outta here. Bald guys? Uh uh. Nope. Too many muscles were even seen as denoting an empty-headed jock. Chest hair was a must. Men were wanted not pubeless boys. Delivery boys and prison scenes were about it - and hitchhikers. And nothing was Gonzo or hand-held or "amateur" in your bedroom either. ALL the military guys were actors too. Heck, they didn't even bother to cut their hair!!! It was the time of the gay magazine.
Anyway, the guys I knew who considered themselves as having "lovers" would always be seen at the bars too. Spend time alone with them and you usually found that if they were not having sex, they fought, and generally could not stand each other; they could not really be alone together and just do nothing. So they had to always surround themselves with the "gang." Everything was about cruising, scoring, new meat on the block. Nobody but nobody had a "supportive" family. Hell, why do you think they left Des Moines?
As for Bear City, I guess it is right that everyone find his crowd for support. It is just so contrived and so much work has to go into creating a reality for themselves. US against the world.
As for these characters, the only fun part was the three-way with Uncle Milton or whatever. That dolt could not even remember HAVING the threesome. Of course this only came about because of pressure to spice up our relationship. So many daddy issues in this film too. I found the so-called hot boy dismally annoying and his so- called Silver Daddy love interest an insecure loser.
I had no idea the back room orgies at bars still happened. None at all. Nice they show the occasional condom but in the shower with the water running? I doubt it. Oh yeah, they call that barebacking. And of course every bar has its so-called hottest guy who has had everybody and has first dibs on any chickens. BEWARE
And the whole thing with the cute cub and his 400 lb daddy bear and the kid being so upset that daddy might actually lose weight was absurd. How does a kid like that get so hung up on a slob like that? No offense to the slob, but come on. I know there are guys who go for fat chicks too but that just proves my point. I do not think it is normal for some Brazilian hottie to be ga-ga over a 400 lb guy. I don't. The guy has issues.
All-in-all, I could see myself talking to these guys but hanging out with them would only bring me down. The mad cruising, the anonymous groping, the constant double-entendres are fun for awhile but after that I think people to to face reality and grow up. It may be boring but at least it is real. Men were not meant to be married to each other and that is why it does not really work. It doesn't. Opposites attract and that means biologically mostly. The rest is just lust and it is fleeting. Good luck though.
Bears Came Before Razor Blades!
deanmorris_nyc25 October 2010
This lovely movie explores bear and gay culture marbled with both reality and surreality, and sentimentality with catty jokes, all on a non-political island of sexy bearish joy.
The appeal of this independent movie was evident as it circled the globe in LGBT film festivals, getting awards, and sending huge theaters full of bears into knowing smiles, giggles, and LOLs -- I heard even more jokes watching the DVD because laughter from live audiences drowned many of them out! BearCity's charm comes from Doug Langway's cobbling together of strong professional talent with very real and yummy non-professional bears.
Gay bears are a new subject for romantic comedy feature films. In many ways fictional stories can be more realistic than documentaries; BearCity was inspired by real events and people.
"The Bear Movement" is to me more a "re-emergence" against social pressure to shave, look civilized, and young -- a re-emergence driven by the just plain hotness of masculine hairy men -- that attraction just can't be kept under control for more than a few decades in a row. Judging from how similar California bears are to Brazilian bears are to Turkish bears are to English bears, it has enormous and wide-spread gay appeal and genetic talent that many ladies seem to enjoy too.
Bear appreciation is, as are most things, based on personal taste. If you see a table full of bears in a restaurant and need to ask what a bear is, you'll never understand. Weight, masculinity, body hair, whiskers, muscle, shaved heads, flattops, etc. are all part of the list of bear features each bear and chaser puts in their own order of "woofiness". Why do bears woof? Because they like to, and they also like to growl. Grouch Marx woofs wolfishly at a woman in one of his movies. Again, can't be explained. Why do bears make so many bear puns? A bear is a visual pun at its core, and human bears have a spiritual parallel to ursine bears as well.
And if you watch the trailer on YouTube with a cold heart and loins, no worries, bears just aren't your sexual taste. Most entertainment is aimed at non-fans -- this is only the first feature-length fiction about bears. If BearCity touches you in one or more places, no amount of ursine puns or situational silliness will spoil your enjoyment of it. Bears like a good laugh, drink, meal, cruise, seduction, romance, dance, drive, swim, nap, etc., and have given up trying to make non-fans comfortable with them!
The DVD's commentary, documentary, and photo gallery add to your appreciation of what went into making BearCity.
I can't wait for the sequel!
The appeal of this independent movie was evident as it circled the globe in LGBT film festivals, getting awards, and sending huge theaters full of bears into knowing smiles, giggles, and LOLs -- I heard even more jokes watching the DVD because laughter from live audiences drowned many of them out! BearCity's charm comes from Doug Langway's cobbling together of strong professional talent with very real and yummy non-professional bears.
Gay bears are a new subject for romantic comedy feature films. In many ways fictional stories can be more realistic than documentaries; BearCity was inspired by real events and people.
"The Bear Movement" is to me more a "re-emergence" against social pressure to shave, look civilized, and young -- a re-emergence driven by the just plain hotness of masculine hairy men -- that attraction just can't be kept under control for more than a few decades in a row. Judging from how similar California bears are to Brazilian bears are to Turkish bears are to English bears, it has enormous and wide-spread gay appeal and genetic talent that many ladies seem to enjoy too.
Bear appreciation is, as are most things, based on personal taste. If you see a table full of bears in a restaurant and need to ask what a bear is, you'll never understand. Weight, masculinity, body hair, whiskers, muscle, shaved heads, flattops, etc. are all part of the list of bear features each bear and chaser puts in their own order of "woofiness". Why do bears woof? Because they like to, and they also like to growl. Grouch Marx woofs wolfishly at a woman in one of his movies. Again, can't be explained. Why do bears make so many bear puns? A bear is a visual pun at its core, and human bears have a spiritual parallel to ursine bears as well.
And if you watch the trailer on YouTube with a cold heart and loins, no worries, bears just aren't your sexual taste. Most entertainment is aimed at non-fans -- this is only the first feature-length fiction about bears. If BearCity touches you in one or more places, no amount of ursine puns or situational silliness will spoil your enjoyment of it. Bears like a good laugh, drink, meal, cruise, seduction, romance, dance, drive, swim, nap, etc., and have given up trying to make non-fans comfortable with them!
The DVD's commentary, documentary, and photo gallery add to your appreciation of what went into making BearCity.
I can't wait for the sequel!
A great journey into the bear world
nnenok30 January 2012
This movie is a fine example of a project, made for a specific subgroup. Considering how much fun everybody's having and how unbelievably relaxed all the actors are, it could easily be a project among friends. And a well-done one.
The story is simple: young Tyler finally comes out of the closet for the second time when he admits he likes bears, and starts exploring the bear scene with all its positive and negative sides. And, of course, falls in love on the way.
The movie is full of inside jokes (by not being on the bear scene, I probably missed quite a few), but that's great, considering it was made for that specific group and not so much for the general public. It's a movie for bears and bear lovers to feel better in their own skin (and for open-minded others).
My only negative remark would be about the script (the text) - it often tends to be really forced, it doesn't flow and seems unnatural. However, this doesn't go for the role of Brent. According to IMDb, the actor Stephen Guarino is a professional comedian and this is really obvious from the movie. It seems like the writers didn't write the words for him because they assumed he will be much better improvising everything on the spot anyway. He is definitely the most hilarious character in the movie.
Conclusion: a really really funny movie. Apparently #2 is coming out this year and I'm hoping it will be at least as funny as the first part.
The story is simple: young Tyler finally comes out of the closet for the second time when he admits he likes bears, and starts exploring the bear scene with all its positive and negative sides. And, of course, falls in love on the way.
The movie is full of inside jokes (by not being on the bear scene, I probably missed quite a few), but that's great, considering it was made for that specific group and not so much for the general public. It's a movie for bears and bear lovers to feel better in their own skin (and for open-minded others).
My only negative remark would be about the script (the text) - it often tends to be really forced, it doesn't flow and seems unnatural. However, this doesn't go for the role of Brent. According to IMDb, the actor Stephen Guarino is a professional comedian and this is really obvious from the movie. It seems like the writers didn't write the words for him because they assumed he will be much better improvising everything on the spot anyway. He is definitely the most hilarious character in the movie.
Conclusion: a really really funny movie. Apparently #2 is coming out this year and I'm hoping it will be at least as funny as the first part.
Tyler is a beauty and Simon a tease
Dr_Coulardeau21 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
That's a type of gay sexuality that fascinates many people and yet many others have never tried it. They don't know what they are missing. The point is that you cannot be a cub and a bear at the same time. You have to start as a cub and then you may eventually become a bear, but not sure since a cub is supposed to be moderately hairy and he is supposed to be young in shape and looks. No overweight, no flabby truck tires around the waist, etc. On the other side the bears are supposed to be very hairy, definitely older, though not old, and definitely fleshy and by fleshy I mean a lot of flesh, that may eventually be muscle but not pumped up inflated muscular balloons.
So one cannot be a bear just because one wants. One can be a daddy any time after 35 but to be a bear is a little more than just age. To be a cub you have to be young for sure, though you can age as a cub for a while but the part is complex since you are a cub, hence you do not have the initiative, an yet bears, or daddies as for that, like being tickled, or teased by cubs. It is funny provided they remain calm and peaceful, respectful and playful, and in the end cuddle against the stomach of their bears.
But the film is a lot more than just that. It shows very well what bear city is during a week end. Bare-chested men of all types, well, bears and cubs of course, a lot of playing around in some dark corners or rooms behind the scene, some if not a lot of alcohol. Music, disco or techno, who cares, just music to make you dance from one foot to the other and rest on your third leg, if you've brought it. But that is the fun of the week end. That's not real life.
Real life is not much different from any other situation. You have couples that are closed though not secretive or exclusive if not reclusive. You can have two couples fooling around in the shower side by side, but a foursome is not the norm. In the same way a threesome is fancied by some but it is not the norm and it may end up sour if the third one is an accidental partner or simply someone picked from a bar for no reason whatsoever except to have some fun. If you are not careful then you may have some surprising reaction because this third one might be completely blocked on some kinky ideas, like pissing in the shower.
The problem of obesity is real and the choice is simple: surgery if you can afford it, or a little help from your friends who can help you cut on the intake and reduce the fuel in the machine and the coal in the furnace. The choice is yours and your friends'.
But then it is all a question of love and respect. Love is love and has no limit, so why not bears and cubs, though I prefer cubs to kids since kids are young goats more than anything else and hence are generally under age or just deliciously crunchy under your teeth. You're not supposed to eat your partner, even if he is a cub. I even think this kind of love, protective on one side and looking for protection on the other side, is quite attractive since the bear who could be a violent brute has to be protective and to take care of his cub with gentleness and finesse.
Ah finesse in the world of sex!!! You, cubs and bears, will love that film, and you, all the others, men and women, will love discovering how full of love these men can be, even if they know stress and unemployment like anyone else. And mind you it is not pornographic except if you consider the kiss of a man to another man is pornography. Some do! Fine with them. They end up kissing trees along the road with their roaring cars. They try it once, twice at the most, because sooner or later that kind of kiss is fatal, lethal, deadly. I prefer the kiss of a bear or of a cub. I am not particular about details.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU
So one cannot be a bear just because one wants. One can be a daddy any time after 35 but to be a bear is a little more than just age. To be a cub you have to be young for sure, though you can age as a cub for a while but the part is complex since you are a cub, hence you do not have the initiative, an yet bears, or daddies as for that, like being tickled, or teased by cubs. It is funny provided they remain calm and peaceful, respectful and playful, and in the end cuddle against the stomach of their bears.
But the film is a lot more than just that. It shows very well what bear city is during a week end. Bare-chested men of all types, well, bears and cubs of course, a lot of playing around in some dark corners or rooms behind the scene, some if not a lot of alcohol. Music, disco or techno, who cares, just music to make you dance from one foot to the other and rest on your third leg, if you've brought it. But that is the fun of the week end. That's not real life.
Real life is not much different from any other situation. You have couples that are closed though not secretive or exclusive if not reclusive. You can have two couples fooling around in the shower side by side, but a foursome is not the norm. In the same way a threesome is fancied by some but it is not the norm and it may end up sour if the third one is an accidental partner or simply someone picked from a bar for no reason whatsoever except to have some fun. If you are not careful then you may have some surprising reaction because this third one might be completely blocked on some kinky ideas, like pissing in the shower.
The problem of obesity is real and the choice is simple: surgery if you can afford it, or a little help from your friends who can help you cut on the intake and reduce the fuel in the machine and the coal in the furnace. The choice is yours and your friends'.
But then it is all a question of love and respect. Love is love and has no limit, so why not bears and cubs, though I prefer cubs to kids since kids are young goats more than anything else and hence are generally under age or just deliciously crunchy under your teeth. You're not supposed to eat your partner, even if he is a cub. I even think this kind of love, protective on one side and looking for protection on the other side, is quite attractive since the bear who could be a violent brute has to be protective and to take care of his cub with gentleness and finesse.
Ah finesse in the world of sex!!! You, cubs and bears, will love that film, and you, all the others, men and women, will love discovering how full of love these men can be, even if they know stress and unemployment like anyone else. And mind you it is not pornographic except if you consider the kiss of a man to another man is pornography. Some do! Fine with them. They end up kissing trees along the road with their roaring cars. They try it once, twice at the most, because sooner or later that kind of kiss is fatal, lethal, deadly. I prefer the kiss of a bear or of a cub. I am not particular about details.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU
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