Ms. Bear

When Emily's family moves to an unnamed small town in the northern woods because her broadcast-journalist dad (Ed Begley, Jr.) has changed jobs, she and her older teenage sister are resentful and sulky. Both liven up when Emily discovers a lost and lovable bear cub in the woods. At first, animal-hating dad forbids Emily from keeping the bear and appeals to a nature conservancy ranger--whom they discover is selling bears and bear parts for big bucks. Needless to say, the family bonds in an effort to keep the ranger's paw's off their furry friend (who is NOT, incidentally, named "Ms. Bear," but Masha; yes, as in the Chekhov character from The Three Sisters). Ms. Bear is well-acted, and the story is endearing and almost believable; however, several elements stand out as awkward, including silly musical interludes, and an overplayed mom of exotic origins (who does not look at all like her daughters). Still, this is a reasonably fun family film with a strong animal-rights message, which will leave non-discriminating viewers feeling warm and fuzzy. An optional purchase. (A. Glover)