The Country Bears 2002

The Country Bears were a beloved all-bear country rock band that enjoyed immense popularity until their disbandment in 1991. The legendary lineup featured lead vocalist and guitarist Ted Bedderhead, fiddle player Zeb Zoober, one-string guitarist Tennessee O’Neal, and harmonica player and bassist Fred Bedderhead. Their concerts were a hit, always attracting large audiences.

At the heart of the story is Beary Barrington, a preteen bear portrayed by Haley Joel Osment, who was raised by a human family. Struggling to fit into human society, Beary feels a deep sense of difference. His adoptive parents—Mr. Norbert Barrington (played by Stephen Tobolowsky), an honorable man, and Mrs. Norma Barrington (Meagen Fay), an excitable and loving mother—attempt to reassure him that family is built on unconditional love, emphasizing that differences lead everyone to their true purposes. However, they have yet to reveal to Beary that he is adopted. Norbert expresses the belief that true family is those who love you no matter what.

Beary’s older brother, Dex (Eli Marienthal), ultimately reveals the truth about Beary’s origins, feeling neglected in the shadow of his younger brother, which leads to tension in their relationship. Believing he is a burden to the family, Beary decides to escape and set off on an adventure to the Country Bear Hall, the legendary concert venue of the Country Bears. Inspired by the band’s motto to be unique yet unite, he begins to uncover his own identity.

In his quest, Beary learns from Big Al (James Gammon), the caretaker, and the band’s manager Henry Dixen Taylor (Kevin Michael Richardson) that the hall is under threat from Reed Thimple (Christopher Walken), a greedy banker demanding $20,000 that the Country Bears owe. With four days left before the wrecking crew arrives, Beary believes he has a higher purpose in his life and feels compelled to save the Country Bear Hall.

Determined to help, Beary suggests organizing a benefit concert, leading him and Henry to reunite the band and recover their old tour bus. As Al manages the concert’s logistics, Henry and Beary set out to gather the band members once more. Meanwhile, the Barrington family, concerned about Beary’s absence, seeks the help of officers Cheets (Diedrich Bader) and Hamm (Daryl Mitchell) to find him, unaware of the true nature of his adventures.

Their journey leads them to Fred Bedderhead (Brad Garrett), who, while working as a security guard, is unexpectedly recognized by pop singer Krystal and invited to perform. The locals, including Zeb Zoober (Stephen Root), who has been submerged in honey and weighted down by debts, and Tennessee O’Neal (Julianne Buescher), who has developed a career as a marriage counselor yet struggles with his own relationships, finally come together with Beary’s encouragement.

“I’ll never return home,” Beary calls Dex, sparking a moment of realization in his brother, who begins to feel remorse for their earlier quarrels.

In their efforts, they confront their past decisions and work through betrayals, jealousy, and misunderstanding, which threaten to tear the group apart again. After an unexpected turn of events at a wedding, the band members finally come together, but external forces, represented by Thimple, remain determined to sabotage their efforts.

As their final concert approaches, shocking revelations unfold, testing the bonds of friendship and family. Ultimately, through courage, resilience, and the discovery of true family, Beary and the Country Bears unite for a performance that not only saves their beloved hall but also redefines what it means to be a family, with Beary stepping in to join the band. Through the struggles, they emerge stronger, ready to embrace their legacy while staying true to themselves.