It's Just Movies

— by BEN FOWLER —

Currently filed under the “Why do we need this film?” section is the live-action/CG hybrid adaptation of the “Yogi Bear” cartoon.

Currently casting and set for a release date of Dec. 17, 2010, the Jellystone National Park resident is touted to be voiced by Dan Aykroyd, who is in negotiations at the moment. Anna Faris is up for the role of a nature documentarian (because if there’s one thing that AnnaFaris screams, it’s “nature documentarian”), who will be studying the antics of the titular bear, presumably as he goes about his daily routine of scheming to steal “pick-a-nics.”

And Justin Timberlake is almost a lock for the role of Yogi’s best bud, Boo Boo. A strange decision, I think, from JT’s position, but a sure-fire crowd puller for the movie itself.

The film is hoping to start production next month in New Zealand, under the guidance of director Eric Brevig, whose previous work includes Brendan Fraser’s “Journey To The Center Of The Earth” (gulp!).

What do you think of a Yogi Bear film? Is it needed? What plot could they use? Who could play Ranger Smith? Sound off in the comments box.

With Aykroyd onboard, the film may appear to have a glimmer of hope. But only when the film is released next year will we see if Yogi really is “smarter than the average bear.”

Follow Ben Fowler on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Localboy99.