Brigsby Bear

"“Sheltered, unconventionally-raised, man-child encounters the real world” may seem like an overworn idea, but Brigsby Bear finds fresh gold to mine, largely by avoiding unnecessary whimsy. That’s not to suggest its complete absence, especially given the adoration James Pope (Kyle Mooney) has for a long-running TV show only he’s ever seen – Brigsby Bear Adventures - and his attendant fandom that extends to bedsheets, apparel and playsets. But the film is very much on Pope’s side, rather than subjecting him to ridicule or turning him into a one-note oddball character."

"Rather than milking the outre premise for broad comedy, everyone involved strives to keep the characters and situations grounded and warm."

"Brigsby Bear's strongest asset (well, after the gobs of in-universe verbiage that come spilling from James' mouth) is Kyle Mooney's extraordinary performance."

"Best not to think about it too hard and just go along for the ride while enjoying Mooney's excellent comic timing and film's loopier notions."

"...a gentle, pure-hearted delight of a film, with a winning idea as its core, which unassumingly impresses as one of the best films of 2017."

"Mooney is the main reason to see Brigsby Bear, the sort of indie dramedy that wears its on-the-spectrum quirk on its sleeve."

"This is a heartfelt and colourful antidote to popcorn-cinema fatigue."

"Brigsby Bear is certainly unexpected and more than just a little bit gorgeous."

"A charming, surprisingly underplayed paean to pop-culture obsession."

"Brigsby Bear is an empty exercise, a twee celebration of immaturity…"

"It's difficult not to get wrapped up in the childlike sweetness on display. The movie is incredibly funny and a little weird, but it's always endearing."