In an enchanted magical forest, Mother Nature executes a harsh punishment for a careless huntsman. To bring balance to the forest, she makes all of the animals into half-humans so they can protect themselves from humans. Several years later, the forest is riddled with dark figures, and it hasn’t snowed on Christmas Eve since. The only thing that can redeem the forest is a pure-hearted creature. Meanwhile, Baby Bear and his best friend, Benny Beaverton, are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas present for Momma Bear. Goldie is a curious human girl whose father warned her never to go into the forest among the animals. Her father, Jack the Huntsman, won’t allow her to celebrate Christmas. When she hears the rambunctious Christmas celebration coming from Baby Bear’s house, Goldie joins Baby Bear and Benny, and together the three embark on a treacherous Christmas Eve journey that will change the forest forever.
Part fairy tale, part musical, and possibly part parable (some major comparisons can be drawn from the forest’s story and the account of the fall of man in Genesis), The Three Bears and The Perfect Christmas Gift is a unique and delightful Christmas story in a category all its own. The film incorporates impressive special effects makeup and costumes to create human-animal creatures, animation for effects, original songs, and a new plot that is sure to dazzle young viewers. The film follows Baby Bear’s pursuit for the perfect gift. And while I don’t want to give away too many plot points because it’s a really creative and fun story, his pursuit does land him in some hot water*.
Reconciliation is a huge theme in the film, which is such a great—and usually overlooked—topic in family/children’s movies.Characters with preconceived notions about each other are able to put aside stereotypes and come together; sacrifice for others and compassion for others is demonstrated in words and actions, and acceptance is central. Overall, I think it is rare nowadays to see something so original, especially in the realm of fairy tales. The Three Bears and The Perfect Christmas Gift manages to make not only a unique fairy tale, but a completely different and new Christmas story. It’s very rare to find a story that is so rooted in fantasy that can also be translated into great spiritual lessons for the whole family. In a way, it is a modern interpretation of the Wise Men’s quest to bring baby Jesus the perfect gift; in this story, Baby Bear realizes he is his mother’s perfect gift—just like Christ was our perfect gift.
The Three Bears and The Perfect Christmas Gift merits the Dove-Approved All Ages Seal.
*Please note, there are some semi-scary scenes with a banshee and other magical creatures that may make very young viewers uncomfortable.
The Dove Take
The Three Bears and The Perfect Christmas Gift manages to make not only a unique fairy tale, but a completely different and new Christmas story. It’s very rare to find a story that is so rooted in fantasy that can also be translated into great spiritual lessons for the whole family.
