The fifth feature in the animated “Boogie Bears” franchise mixes fast paced sci-fi action/adventure with a story of a mismatched but sweet friendship between a goofy, ice cream loving bear and an alien who poses as a cat.
The Boonie Bears is a popular Chinese animated cartoon series with some 600 short episodes and recurring characters in several feature films. This time around, sweet-tempered bear Bramble (voiced by Joseph S. Lambert in the English dubbed version) gets the spotlight. He’s busy tending to clean up duties in his first park home and fantasizing about being a superhero and enjoying rewards of ice cream.
While cleaning up one day, Bramble discovers an unknown objects that has landed from outer space. The gizmo gives Bramble brain powers he doesn’t understand. But an alien named Avi (voiced by Sara Secora) from another planet does and battles the bear to harness the superpowers.
Avi transforms into a blue cat who can turn on the charm, fooling Bramble’s brother, Briar, and the other forest dwellers. But Bramble knows the kitty is trouble so once his crew departs for an afternoon outing, Bramble and Avi are chasing each other into the nearby town and eventually into outer space.
Turns out Avi is part of the Rhyot galaxy and must find his ship in order to save planet Earth from a pair of evil arms dealers bent on destroying it. The core stored in Bramble’s brain is the key to finding Avi’s ship. As we learn the reason for Avi’s insistence on retrieving Bramble’s superpowers, the two become allies in true cartoon pals fashion.
Director Huida Lin delivers plenty of whizz-bang elements and occasional violence in the convoluted tale of good and evil that makes the film too scary for the younger set. But “Boogie Bears: Back to Earth” has enough action, engaging characters and humor —Bramble spoofing Marilyn Monroe in “The Seven Year Itch” is a highlight that will be appreciated by movie fans — to satisfy older kids.
