Yogi Bear

Rating: PG

The Bouw-Man.

Having grown up with the “Yogi Bear” cartoons, a viewer such as me is going to resist seeing the modern-day film version of a beloved show.  This sort of film entertainment has ruined so many other great cartoon legacies, so why should we think this is going to be any different.  I won’t document every case, but let’s discuss four of them.  1996’s “Space Jam” slaughtered probably one of the most successful cartoon franchises ever, by teaming an athlete (Michael Jordan) that many hated (including myself) with “Bugs Bunny” and pals.  In 2002, we were treated to the abomination known as “Scooby Doo.” Tremendous kids show, horrible film. 2004 gave us “Garfield,” which even Bill Murray admits was a tremendous blunder.  Then in 2007, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” supplied us with so much annoyance, that they almost ruined the holiday season for all.  Not only did we have to endure this garbage once, but all of the above films came back for a sequel. If this doesn’t speak volumes to both the cartoon and film industries, I don’t know what does?  It’s either a testament of how popular these cartoon characters are, or that family film-goers don’t have much of a problem with a bad story as long as furry creatures are involved.

Prediction.

I’m sure “Yogi Bear” will do just fine at the box office this weekend. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” seems to be a good indicator as to what to expect this weekend in terms of a take.  Both “Alvin” films came out during the Christmas holiday season, and all within the last three years.  The first one in 2007 made over $44 million, and the sequel in 2009 made over $48 million.  Let’s say “Yogi” is a “middle man,” or “middle bear,” and brings in $46 million.

Opening Weekend Gross: $46 Million

Noodles.

Prediction.

Let's face it Yogi Bear has had his day, and that day ended over 20 years ago. Can anyone honestly say that the world was looking for anyone to bring Yogi Bear back? Not only back but to make him into a live action movie? I don't think so. Then when I watch the trailer, it occurs to me that for a comedy it seems very light on laughs. Who really wants to plunk down $8.50 to watch a cgi Yogi spend 90 minutes chasing Pick-a-nick baskets? Not me. I give this a low chance at opening big. There's better stuff out there.

Opening Weekend: Gross: $11 Million

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