YOGI BEAR 3D
(U, 80 mins)

Three stars

Starring Tom Cavanagh, Anna Faris, TJ Miller, Andrew Daly, Nathan Corddry and the voices of Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake

Created by Hanna-Barbera, Yogi Bear gained a cult following in the 1960s, pursing his beloved “pic-a-nic baskets” in the fictional Jellystone Park, accompanied by dutiful sidekick Boo Boo.

The character’s perseverance in the face of disaster and oft-repeated catchphrases – “I’m smarter than the average bear!” – ensured that Yogi entertained successive generations of children.

So it was only a matter of time before Hollywood gave Yogi (pictured) and Boo Boo a 21st-century makeover in eye-popping 3D.

Live action and the digital effect don’t always gel convincingly in Eric Brevig’s film, and the plot is noticeably stretched to fill the running time.

However, Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake offer cheerful impersonations of the furry heroes and the underlying environmental message is delivered with a refreshingly light touch.

There’s nothing here to tarnish fond memories of the Hanna-Barbera incarnation.

If anything, Yogi Bear 3D clings on to the wholesome, old-fashioned notions of the past, including a heartfelt speech from the eponymous bear “you have to fight for the things you love, whether it’s a park, a girl or a roast beef sandwich.”

Yogi Bear (voiced by Aykroyd) and pal Boo Boo (Timberlake) live in a cave in Jellystone Park, from where they mastermind the ingenious thefts of food.

Ranger Smith (Cavanagh) struggles to keep the double-act in check, and already has his hands full with an ambitious assistant, Ranger Jones (Miller).

However, these are mere distractions compared to the underhand plans of Mayor Brown (Daly), who intends to sell off the park for logging.

The only way to raise the money to save the park is to hold a 100th anniversary party.

Documentary film-maker Rachel (Faris) offers her support but Mayor Brown and his chief of staff (Corddry) have found the perfect fall guy to sabotage party preparations.

Yogi Bear 3D is an energetic jaunt into the great outdoors, plying slapstick and tender romance that will appeal to young and old.

The scriptwriters pay attention to the burgeoning romance between Ranger Smith and Rachel, plucking a heartstring when he admits defeat.

They strike a similarly sombre note when Yogi finally abandons the home comforts of his cave and attempts to live in the wild.