Bear (II) (2019) User Reviews

Low Budget but Not Bad

[empty1969 · 7/10 · 1 January 2021]

You can tell that Bear has been produced on a real shoestring budget. However, based on this, the cinematography is a bit rough sometimes but not bad and the actors do a solid job with the material that they are working with. The plot twist stretches the storyline a bit but when you consider the suspension of belief that has to be made for some of the absolutely ridiculous Hollywood offerings, the story here isn't completely unfeasible - especially if you've ever watched some of the CBS Reality real-life murder programmes.

The whole movie has a gritty feeling of real life with an equally realistic type of dialogue that normal people have. The action isn't bad either and quite believable based on the brevity and simplicity of any violent exchanges and the fact that they aren't ruined by the actors overplaying these scenes.

In summary I think all involved used what they had and put together a decent film well worth watching.

Extraordinary.

[cade_peters · 8/10 · 15 January 2020]

Firstly, I would like to thank the creator of this film (David Smith) for bringing us an amazing look into what can be achieved with dedication and passion.

So, when I sat down to watch this film my expectations were high. Anyone with the guts to brainstorm, create and then publish something as massively scrutinised as cinema (in my opinion) deserves a fair shot. From the word 'go' I was enticed by this film, the sheer work put into every shot / scene is amazing. In the first few scenes of the movie (and throughout) we are treated to beautiful sceneary and great character introduction. From the rolling hills of Somerset and Dorset , to the crashing waves of the surrounding coastline.

Secondly, character introduction and building. I would now like to point out the great character introduction and then building of characters throughout the movie. one of my favourite parts about this project is the fact that all of the characters that appear are introduced thoroughly but without droning on for minutes on end explaining who they are. for example, the Detective on which this movie follows throughout the narrative is given a brief introduction in a format that makes it easy, to realise his importance. But on the other hand a lot is left to the imagination until piece-by-piece the puzzle-like structure of the detective is unravelled.

Furthermore, I would also like to talk about the antagonist of the BEAR story. As we are lead through the complex narrative of BEAR we begin to realise that there is something not quite right about the antagonist (Micheal) who claims he had done no wrong, nor intends too. But as the audience is lead to believe that Micheal is innocent we begin to realise as an audience that Micheal isn't all he seems to be.

The climax, Staying on the subject of the antagonist Micheal, as the movie comes to it's climax and resolution we then see everything behind the scenes that Micheal has done to deceive and manipulate or prtagonist Detective Meyers. Creating a moment of realisation for the movie-goer that all of the bad things that have happened up to this point where caused and carried out by our antagonist Micheal.

Final thoughts, My final thoughts on 'BEAR' are the the movie is really well written, directed and produced. If you are hesitant as to if watching BEAR is a good use of your time I would say that it's likely one of the best uses of your time possible. Great acting, amazingly written, and a killer production. Well done guys!

Some Balance

[cwgray-79648 · 5/10 · 19 November 2020]

I'm assuming that most of the reviews here are from mates of the director/actors. I must admit it worked as it got me to watch the film. Probably should give a genuine review though to balance things out. It's not a bad effort for a directorial debut. Similarly the main actor puts in a good effort. The support acting is a bit wooden though. Storyline is pretty standard and could easily fit in to the afternoon detective slot on ITV3. I don't want to be too negative about a debut as I know a lot must have gone in to putting it together. It's not a 9 though.

Don't be sucked-in on the basis of some rather dubious reviews

[nigelsmithson · 3/10 · 3 January 2021]

Based on the rating for this film I was expecting something good.....how disappointed I was. The plot was completely implausible with no explanations as to who the murdered characters were other than some unsuspecting adulterers. Rather extreme punishment as revenge for the main character's ex-wife? Although the fact her ex-husband was an alcoholic, drug addicted, loose tempered senior police officer gave her some redemption in my book. Other than the main character to whom I would award a border-line pass, all the remaining acting was terrible. Admittedly a poor script gave them little to work with. The 'policing' work scenes were beyond unrealistic. The most believable thing in this film was the rain! The quality of the filming was less than than you would expect from a low budget matinee TV movie. As for the ending.....well, that left me totally deflated wondering what had I just watched? Other than that, three stars for the bear!

Captivating

[poppysurmon · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

Keeps you immersed throughout due to the appealing cinematic shots and engaging yet gritty storyline. A stunning performance by the main actor, Paul Breen, and the rest of the cast. Would definitely recommend.

Can't believe I watched it to the end

[jessemeredith · 1/10 · 14 December 2020]

One of the worst films I have ever seen. Aside from a handful of decent interim shots, there are no redeeming features. Every aspect of the production - from the script, to the editing (sound and picture), to the acting - was spectacularly terrible. I think the cinematic landscape would be better off if every person involved in this feature never worked in the industry again.

Great film

[J-Morgan1999 · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

Bear is a great film, shot really well and the locations are amazing. The storyline is really good and is different to other crime dramas. It keeps you on the end of your seat at some parts and the ending is brilliant. Would definitely recommend!

Shame on these reviewers...

[tinagunn · 1/10 · 2 January 2021]

I note all the 9 and 10 out of 10 reviews were written within a couple of days of each other so am assuming these were certainly written by people associated with the film. In truth, it was appalling bad. I'm sorry but Charles acting was just so poor, I cringed for him.

The story made no sense and was ridiculously far fetched. It truly deserved no stars but actually the little girl was kinda good.

I've watched hundreds and hundreds of film and this rates in the my top 2 worse....

Forget the other reviews.

[ozwillb · 2/10 · 3 January 2021]

All 9/10, all around the 10th January, and all misrepresentative. I'm not sure of the difference between poor and dreadful, but this comes somewhere inbetween. Questionable acting, script, and direction. Sorry, can't be any more forgiving, an hour and a half of am/dram.

Very poor.

[harrycutmore · 2/10 · 31 December 2020]

One of the worst films I have watched for quite some time. Stupid story, no real plot and the corniest ending ever. I watched it from beginning to end and then wondered why. One to miss!

A gripping and tense story.

[PatrickW99 · 9/10 · 12 January 2020]

Bear takes you on a turbulent ride during a period of a detectives life. Emotionally driven by the hurdles of his work. Detective Charles Meyer works a new case after a period a time away. He returns to a severed arm in a lake.

The spiraling plot unweaves as he tries to rekindle the relationship with his daughter and piece together this convulted case. As he gets deeper into understanding what's going on a new problem occurs.

This nail biting journey leads you down new paths with Charles as tries to make sense of what has been going on. It isn't until later, he realises the truth.

Stunning and Immersive

[samtuck-21229 · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

Beautifully shot and extremely well written. The story was gripping from start to finish. The acting was also outstanding, I can't wait to see Paul Breen's work in the future!

Bear with it

[archergem-64545 · 9/10 · 9 January 2021]

Good work and intriguing. Well acted. The only downside for me was that I found it a bit implausible to the nature of the murders. Purportedly done by one female and how the bodies were positioned. She must have been quite strong! Found that a stretch of the imagination a bit too far, otherwise, found it really good.

Brilliant

[danbartlett-31322 · 10/10 · 12 January 2020]

Really good film, great acting, narrative and cinematography. Had me gripped and hooked throughout the whole film.

Highly recommend to anyone.

Hooked from start to finish!

[holton-38688 · 10/10 · 12 January 2020]

A gripping storyline with a dramatic ending will have you emotionally invested in Charles's story from the off. Very well acted, topped off with excellent cinematography and an engaging score. What more could you ask for!

Captivating and well worth seeing.

[walsh_d_t · 10/10 · 12 January 2020]

Considering the film didn't have the marketing that goes with big budget commercial releases, it still captured the viewer . Right from the start I was engrossed in the story. The acting and cinematography were very impressive and I left the cinema with the same buzz you get when you have enjoyed a big movie.

Bear-illiant

[uktheatreweb · 9/10 · 12 January 2020]

Great cinematography, strong direction and editing, some fine acting and a brilliant score drive this story forward .. a few twists keep you guessing and the whole is very entertaining and worth a second watch

CAPTIVATING!!!

[callumgould-97912 · 9/10 · 13 January 2020]

Bear had a strong narrative with a couple of twists to keep the audience on their toes. The editing and cinematography was really good considering it didn't have a huge budget. The ending had me shocked.

A gripping story

[thomaspaulbunce · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

Bear was a very good film with a gripping story from start to finish, it showed a good example of where different styles of cinematography can be used to a films advantage and the acting was very professional.

What an experience

[Hugssy · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

Although the film didn't have a feature film budget I have to say the film is very captivating, you build a bond with characters as the film progresses, with stunning visuals and shot types it is truly a film that everyone should be able to enjoy.

I can't believe there aren't any actual bears, I feel genuinely betrayed!!

[Bagel_Boy-42069 · 9/10 · 13 January 2020]

In all seriousness, I was very impressed with the performances and I was consistently invested in the story and characters, despite knowing some of the actors personally (somewhat). I'm really impressed with how well made the film is despite the very low budget (which I had to take someone else's word on because it seriously didn't show). Films like this just goes to show that a high budget is completely meaningless without genuine talent behind it. Really looking forward to the next film project whenever it might be.

Visually stunning

[sarahfear83 · 10/10 · 14 January 2020]

From the very start this film gets you hooked right in. The cinematography is just outstanding especially once you learn the overall budget for the film. The acting is on point from all parties and there's a good few twists and plots to keep you guessing which is exactly what a good thriller film should be.

Great!

[elliequick-00128 · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

Amazing cinematography and acting, each plot point / twist was equally as interesting and kept the audience entertained.

A masterpiece

[josiebeano · 9/10 · 13 January 2020]

A well written and amazingly directed film. With an interesting story line and captivating plot twists. A must see.

Stunning

[SignatureAce_ · 10/10 · 13 January 2020]

This was a great watch and had a captivating narrative and had brilliant visuals to pair with it.