Annabelle & Bear (2010) User Reviews

direct hit

[ajmaison · 9/10 · 24 February 2010]

I was so glad to see some excitement in Detroit last weekend with out any bad connotations attached to it! I think the makers of Annabelle and Bear scored a direct hit not only with the movie audience, but hopefully sent a message that good things can and do come out of Detroit. As for the movie, it was just the right mix of edgy drug related fallout combined with tear-jerky sentimentality. The mother, Annie, turned in a stellar performance as she turned her back on her child to get the next fix. Bear was played masterfully by Curt Massof who has a bright future ahead of him in the film industry. His aloof biker personality couldn't hide the tender affection he found hiding deep inside him. The on screen magic that took place between him and adorable Annabelle was as real as any true-life father and daughter. Olivia Walby virtually wrote her own "golden ticket" with this performance. The rest of the cast was just as believable and I couldn't be prouder of our home-grown talent. I hope everyone gets a chance to see this one!!

A beautiful story of a little girl who brings tenderness and forgiveness to the most unsuspecting people.

[jillh1016 · 9/10 · 24 February 2010]

I was invited to the Sneak Preview of this little film. I was not expecting to be so big on it.

What an inspiring story. A 100% made in Michigan film made me feel really good about what my state is doing for the film industry here. But that was only one percent of why I loved this film. There are a bunch of reasons I thought this movie was special.

First, the movie is honest. The way it's shot. It's characters. And the story is one we see every day, if only we were to look more closely at the people around us.

Second, is the film's characters. We watch a mother, Annie (Ruby Harris) choose drugs over her daughter. We cringe at the thought of where this little girl will end up. Including with Bear (played by new comer Kurt Masof) a loner biker and closed off man who is suddenly responsible for her. Yet, Annabelle (played by Olivia Walby) who is only 2 years old, is filled with a such pure and unconditional love that is strong enough to lift and enrich the lives of everyone she touches. Each character grows right in front of our eyes throughout the movie. By the end, we not only fall in love with Annabelle, we find ourselves rooting for her father, Bear, for many reasons.

The soundtrack is beautiful and carefully designed to bring out the best in every scene. Listen closely for Hallelujah and my favorite, Trailer Park Girl.

Last but not least, I love this film's perspective, about acceptance of things as they are, forgiveness, and the hope that it's possible for our heart to open and love deeper. Not just the people in our lives, but finding love for ourselves.

A "must see". Even if you're not from Michigan.

A heartfelt, heart-driven film

[eyeclips · 8/10 · 6 March 2010]

ANNABELLE & BEAR is a true indie film--a low budget, no big (or even small) name stars, no flashy effects--just a compelling story driven by real characters. The film's greatest assets are its two title roles. Both actors, a two-year-old girl and a burly bearded biker respectively, pull off performances that seldom hit a false note and really draw empathy from the viewer. The cinematography is also top-notch, capturing all the grittiness Detroit, MI has to offer. Writer/Director Amy Weber does a more than competent job helming her first feature, managing to spin its simple yet unique narrative without ever coming off cloying or forced. While the editing could use some tightening, and a few of the music cues are repetitive, overall this is an accomplished work by a new filmmaker with a keen eye and a terrific heart.

A beautiful and compelling love story between a little girl and her biker daddy.

[LucieB · 10/10 · 24 February 2010]

This lovely little film, Annabelle and Bear is an all too real depiction of how drugs can tear apart relationships. It's an unexpectedly tender story about a biker who has moved on after his ex left with their newborn baby, only to return, strung-out to dump the now two-year-old girl in his lap. It's a road-trip movie that allows us to watch as their relationship evolves, then take unexpected turns and resolve itself realistically. The acting on the part of Curt Massof (Bear) is beautifully understated as we see his struggles and quiet frustrations play out. Olivia Walby (Annabelle) is a stunning find. This little two-year-old was acting! I repeat, this little girl was acting and carrying half the film! She had the audience laughing, crying and in rapt awe. Everyone fell in love with her. The rest of the cast turned in excellent efforts as well, especially Kimberly Cruchon Brooks as Bear's mother Grace, and Rubie Harris as Annie, the ex. A worthy movie that I highly recommend.

Two Big Thumbs Up!!!!!

[tina-radish · 10/10 · 24 February 2010]

Wow! What an awesome and REAL film. The way it was shot, gritty and real - and the believable cast who brought these characters to life made this movie one that I would see again! The kid in it, Annabelle, was one of the cutest kids I've ever seen and I think she was 2 years old! Amazing! I've told so many people about this film already and how it was all produced in Michigan with all Michigan folks. Pretty cool for a state that is under the negative radar these days! The dude, Bear, is quiet and simple. When this kid gets dropped off in his life, he doesn't really know what to do with her. Poor kid seems to be getting the cold shoulder from everyone - that ticked me off. You really feel for this kid from the start. She's funny too. Bear can't help but fall for her too but then the stuff really hits the fan, which turns him into a BEAR! I loved one scene where he kicks this bad dude's BUTT!!!!!! (Can't give it away, sorry!) So two BIG THUMBS UP for Annabelle & Bear. Looking forward to seeing it again. I'll admit it, I got a little choked up!

A Beautiful Movie!

[KellyinHamtramck · 10/10 · 25 February 2010]

The premiere of this movie was amazing. The audience reaction was genuine and inspired thanks to excellent writing and a stellar soundtrack. The dialog between characters is honest and the music cues are spot on, seamlessly transitioning each phase of Annabelle and Bears journey.

This film is not only shot brilliantly but has a refreshingly realistic cast of characters that form a true portrait of an American family. Bear, a grudgingly likable lead and Annabelle, an innocent victim lead separate, isolated lives until brought together by one desperate act of conscience. What follows is a funny, tragic, and heartfelt journey where we are reminded that in each of our lives we have our own cast of misfits that make life worth living.

So Worthwhile! Great film. Emotional and thought-provoking.

[kathrynkeating · 10/10 · 25 February 2010]

So Worthwhile!       Great film.  Emotional and thought-provoking.  I cared about these characters right away and days later, I still find myself thinking about the layers of the movie.  That's how I always feel after seeing a really good film.  I went to a sneak preview of this film the other night and was surrounded by people laughing and crying.  It's truly a tender drama.  The script pulls you further and further into the film as the relationships of the characters reveal themselves in a way a story should be told!  How refreshing.      Although some parts were pretty intense and even though some of it was set in Detroit, it was nice to see that it lacked the extra violence that's become so typical in the depiction of Detroit.  I don't want to give too much away, except to say, I found the dynamics of the main characters, Bear (the big, bearded biker) and Annabelle (the adorable little girl) totally fascinating to watch as they try to find their way in this world.  Ultimately, the movie is about love, redemption and the human condition … so worthwhile!

wonderful movie

[valrussell · 10/10 · 24 February 2010]

I went to the viewing of this show and I cant express in word how beautiful and touching it was .I had a lot of different emotions running through by head during the show. I was amazing to find out that it was 100% Michigan made I am very proud of everyone on the cast and crew they deserve a BIG HAND for a Job well done My only hopes are the it will come to the theaters so that every one can experience what a great movie it is. I have talked none stop about the movie and everyone keeps on asking WHEN IS IT COMING TO THE SHOW? that's a good question!

Amy and Tina Weber did a great Job.Little Annabell will steal your heart the minute she opens up the mouth and ask what are we going to do today Bear?????????

Good effort

[surgroot · 2 March 2010]

Great story concept which could have been tweaked to be even better. The audience needs to pull for Bear but it's hard to when he's so unlikeable...treats his Mom and girlfriend (good actress but miscast..too clean and beautiful for Bear) like crap.

Understood that Bear is to start out as a quiet, gruff guy, but never saw him grow with enough passion and emotion for this little girl...who by the way,steals the show! Much of the acting is unforgettable and/or unbelievable with the exception of Bear's mother and Annabelle.

The ending could have been better with more emotion..especially from Bear.

One Montage Too Many

[joeyax-667-161412 · 3/10 · 21 February 2010]

Annabelle & Bear is a slow paced film that can really bore the viewer, even if you live in Michigan. Annabelle gets pawned off on her father "Bear" and he has to take care of her.

This film had a montage every 10 to 15 minutes of the 100 minute run time.

While traveling in "Ohio" Bear is outside listening to a few locals or other travelers sing a song about summer in Michigan! I know that it's a Michigan made film. But the song totally threw me off. They're in Ohio singing about Michigan? They were working the Michigan angle too much.

While traveling it takes a week to get 1000 miles to Maine. So 200 miles a day for five days. (had a flat on one day) So that's saying they drove 3 to 4 hours a day at 65 miles an hour and spend 20+ hrs sleeping and or watching TV. Boring... She's 2 1/2 years old not 6 months. Drive that damn car.

During the end of the film when Bear is searching for Annabelle. I expected to actually see "the Bear" come out of him and start kicking in doors and really start to shake people down. But he doesn't. He gets in one little fight and punches Raymond "Annabelle's mom's drug dealer" three or four times and then just leaves without getting any information out of him. Come on your daughter is missing!! And what drug dealer who has two bodyguards that don't carry any kind of weapon at all. No gun, knife, pool cue, nothing... THIS is DETROIT we're talking about here!

And when Bear goes to get Annabelle out of a crack house ... I don't want to give the ending away... but there's just a few strong words said to Annie. I was hoping for a kind of Taxi Driver style ending where "Bear" makes sure that Annabelle will be safe in the future. It should be called: Annabelle & Teddy Bear.

This movie really has no climax. Nothing kept me on the edge of my seat. I had really high hopes for this Michigan Made Movie and it let me down just like the Lions do every season.

On a good note I do see a future for Olivia "Annabelle" she was great in the movie. That's why I gave it 3 out of 10 instead of 1 out of 10.

A Great Movie

[markgc1967 · 10/10 · 25 February 2010]

Some people have said this is a great Michigan made movie. While that is true, it is a great movie equal to any movie produced in Hollywood or elsewhere. This movie shows that people from Michigan can produce a quality movie.

It is one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life. My favorite drama of all time is Shawshank Redemption and I can safely say that Annabelle & Bear will now have the honor of sharing that place.

I hope that more people will have the opportunity to watch this compelling story and see the cutest girl in the world. Olivia was a great choice for this role and was great!

Outstanding Performances from Annabelle& Bear

[jenstewart6297 · 10/10 · 9 April 2010]

After a long anticipated wait to see the premier of this movie in Detroit, I was hit hard by the impact it left on me. This movie showed a lifestyle that most of us do not see on a day to day basis and wish were not part of our existence. It was fantastic acting on the part of Bear played by Curt Massof, who really showed that you can be tough and compassionate at the same time. Bear really pulled this part off and was very believable. Outstanding acting on the part of all the actor/actresses in this film. Especially Annabell and Bear who seemed to have a real and rare chemistry just like a father daughter should have. I would highly suggest that you see this movie. It will be shown again, just wait and see and this is one that will be remembered forever. The music that goes along with the film is also awesome. It is very catchy and you will want to play it over and over. Outstanding all around film. It is a 10!

this movie was really spectacular

[justuday · 10/10 · 18 April 2010]

I was not sure what I would see for a local movie but the subject matter and the purpose for the making of the movie drew me to this event. I was absolutely taken back at the impact this movie had on me. The premise was the struggles of addiction in our society today and it painted this picture superbly. The actors were Michigan natives and the story very real and heart-wrenching. As a professional who has studied and treated individuals for this disease I was glad to see this private subject portrayed in such a way as to help the viewers understand the nature of the beast. The main character "Bear" is put into the position of being a father to a child he has never seen and is thrust headfirst into the world of the mother's addiction when she drops their daughter off and leaves. The other main character "Annabelle" is the perfect portrayal of the innocence of children of addictive parents. The movie captured the disease and all it's negative effects on the afflicted and what the impact is on the people in their world. I can only hope that this movie comes to a movie theater or video store across the country in hopes of bringing help to anyone suffering with the disease and gives support to anyone else involved.

The big, bad, and ugly about the drug culture.

[L-Jennings-684-384664 · 8/10 · 12 March 2010]

First of all, the movie was great!!! I find myself thinking about the characters, even being disturbed, a week later. The disturbed part is only due to the fact that I hate to think of people, especially children being a victim of the drug culture. My heart went out to each of the characters for very different reasons. I loved how you wove in "good men" asking Bear to man-up and do the father job right. The story was very raw and very real, very moving. You got me tearing up at the end with the display of fatherly love. I loved the snap shots at the end! You did an impressive job portraying the big and the ugly of the drug/addiction culture. This is something nobody wants to see but you forced us to look as we got to know our new friends, Annabelle & Bear. Complicated relationships, surprising twists, humor, you had it all.

Annabelle and Bear is a realistic view of a little girl's journey, where the little girl does not control the outcome.

[filmtelevision · 8/10 · 7 March 2010]

From both an industry and consumer point of view, Annabelle and Bear is what so many people are seeking from big screen entertainment. From the first scene through to the last, I was engrossed in each of the characters, wishing I could jump in to the scene and take little Annabelle to safety or slam a door on those blocking Annabelle from a loving future. The soundtrack furthered the experience in each and every scene. The locations could not have been more perfect. I had to remind myself afterward that this was fiction as the dialogue, interactions and character development left me feeling it was a true story.

Great!!!!

[tjflowers71 · 10/10 · 26 February 2010]

Was fortunate enough to see this movie at the Detroit premiere. The acting was solid....especially the little girl who played Annabelle. One of the best child performances I can remember. I think she has a great future in this biz. I was really touched at how this rough motorcycle guy slowly melted and became the father he needed to be by the films end. It really showed him grow as a person/parent. I feel the woman who played Bear's mother did an excellent job as well!!! I highly recommend this film!!! Excellent directing and writing. The fact that this is an all Michigan cast and crew made me like this film even more. I look forward to seeing more from Radish Creative!!! Well Done!!!

"What are we going to do today Bear?

[tomc-717-711102 · 10/10 · 19 April 2010]

Last night (4-17-10), I went to see the movie, 'Annabelle and Bear' at the Detroit Music Hall. It's a film you must see! Co-written by Amy Weber/Tracey Sims, and produced and directed by Amy Weber. 'Annabelle and Bear' has captured the dramatic lifestyle of how family and friends can be torn apart and brought together at the same time during the cycle of addiction, and its effect on all involved.

Curt Massof did an outstanding portrayal as the biker dad, 'Bear' who has to make the choice of being an active father, or an outsider looking inside. Addiction isn't pretty, but Oliva Walby steals your heart from the first moment she appears on screen as two-year old 'Annabelle.' She tugs heartstrings when she asks, "What are we going to do today Bear?" Together Annabelle and Bear journey a path that is so incredibly realistic it reminds us that addiction is a terrible, destructive disease. Ruby Harris (Annie, the drug addicted mother), Jason Myres (Goldie), Kimberly Cruchon (Grace), and Dal Bouey (Trisha) are the co-stars that make this believable, touching film come together! Brighton Hospital's charity preview at the Detroit Music Hall was a major success that had a bottom line net of over $27,000. Proceeds will benefit the Brighton Hospital Children's Program. This program is unique to Brighton Hospital and will be free to children ages 7-12. For more information about the Children's Program, please contact John Furey at [phone] or call Brighton at the Corners at [phone]. Toll-free customer service staff may be reached at [phone] for questions about any Brighton Hospital program.

The story of a biker who must deal with fatherhood.

[tmbrx · 8/10 · 28 February 2010]

For a "local" independent film, I thought it was a well-crafted effort. The camera work, locations, and continuity of the film all seemed to be done on a professional level-- seamless and solid craftsmanship. My only criticism was a traveling sequence that might have been made shorter. In terms of the acting, a couple of the characters/performances were forgettable, but others stood out as particularly strong; Kim Cruchon, the actress who portrayed Bear's mother ("Grace"), and Ruby Harris as the ex-wife ("Annie") offered very convincing performances. And, of course, how can you help but fall in love with Oliva Walby as little "Annabelle"?