BearCity

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.

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).

'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...)

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.

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.