A Bear for Punishment (1951)

Thanks for the memories!

I'll tell you why so serious

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

"A Bear for Punishment" is a Warner Bros cartoon from 1951 (had its 65th anniversary last year) and if you hear the name of this company associated with the Golden Age of Animation, then the likes of Saffy, Porky and Bugs of course are what come to mind first I am sure. But there is also the Bear Family and this is the last of a series of cartoons starring Pa Bear, Ma Bear and their son. I thought this was a decent watch. It is funny right away hen we see the differences in size that Father Bear is considerably smaller than his son, and even slightly smaller than his wife. The focus in this quick comedy is on Father's Day and Pa Bear has to go through all kinds of stuff he really doesn't like, even if at times it does not become clear 100% why. Of course being thrown into a bucket of flour is nothing nice, but why was he so mad during the music show. Anyway, it was still well done overall I guess. The first half is about the comedy, the second is about music and political references even, also all comedic surely. The political references are no surprise as WB made statements before already, especially during the days of World War II. Overall, you can see that some of Warner Bros finest worked on this film, behind the camera as well as in front of it (including Bear Benaderet, oh yes I did!). Watch it if you like cartoons and I am positive you will like it as much as I did.

Chuck Jones was, and still is considered to be, one of the geniuses in animation with many classics under his belt. There is much to like about his barely talked about "Three Bears" series, and 'A Bear for Punishment' is one of the strongest.It is also one of those cartoons that this reviewer appreciates and loves even more as a young adult. It is true that it is essentially plot-less but with everything being so well done this is a case of that not mattering.The animation has Jones' distinctive animation style all over it, especially in the character designs. Everything is vibrantly coloured, the backgrounds are rich and meticulous in detail and it's all beautifully drawn. The music from Carl Stalling, though an uncredited Milt Franklyn also had a hand in orchestration, is typically outstanding, there is so much energy and life to the rhythms, orchestration is cleverly matched and lush and it fits so well with the action and adds to the impact.What is especially good about 'A Bear for Punishment' is the humour. At its best, like the uproariously funny gag with the pipe and the riot that is the deliciously bizarre climax, 'A Bear for Punishment' is hilarious, and is unusually dark (but wonderfully so) and the satirical edge bites. The dialogue has plenty of wit and bite and the gags all work, starting very strongly and getting even better all the time.Lack of story, as said already, is not an issue, it's still engaging and has not a single dull stretch and there's enough heart and charm too. The brilliant execution of the humour helps here too. All three characters are very well written, with Junyor coming off best. With the voice acting, sure you do miss Mel Blanc but Billy Bletcher, Bea Benaderet and Stan Freberg (three of the better and most prolific voice actors of the time) voice with every bit the same amount of enthusiasm and energy, if just lacking that special touch that Blanc had which was his ability to bring distinction and individuality to multiple characters (which in all fairness that opportunity is not necessarily given to them here).Overall, hilarious and brilliantly executed cartoon. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The three bears' cartoons from the Looney Tunes crowd aren't in my vocabulary as much as Bugs Bunny and his ilk are, but the two that I've seen ("Bugs Bunny and the Three Bears" and this one) I really like. "A Bear for Punishment" portrays Father's Day, and so Ma and Junyer try to make Pa happy...all the while irking him due to arch-incompetence and excessive affection. They should have just left the guy in peace! So, Chuck Jones had every reason to be proud of this cartoon. One can imagine how much fun voice artist Stan Freberg must have had turning Junyer into his dopey self. Really funny.I wonder why Junyer is twice his father's size.

This cartoon is absolutely delightful! While not the best series of cartoons Warner Brothers did, it was quite often effective. I rarely have much sympathy for Pa Bear, but here my heart goes out to him. This has got to be the most nightmarish Father's Day on record! The number of memorable scenes is quite high, but my favorite has to be whe Junyer fills Pa's pipe for him! Second has to be when Junyer shaves Pa! This is just wonderful. Cartoon Network runs this one fairly often. Most recommended. From the top of the key, he shoots and nothing but net at the buzzer!