The film begins with Beary Barrington (voiced by Haley Joel Osment), a young bear who feels like he doesn’t fit in with his adoptive human family. He discovers that he is actually adopted and is a bear himself. Feeling lost and out of place, Beary sets out on a journey to find his true identity and where he belongs.
Beary learns about the Country Bear Hall, a legendary music venue that was once home to the famous band, the Country Bears. However, the hall is now facing foreclosure and demolition by a greedy banker named Reed Thimple (played by Christopher Walken), who wants to replace it with a lucrative car dealership.
Determined to save the hall and reunite the band, Beary sets out to find the former members of the Country Bears, who have since gone their separate ways. He recruits the help of a streetwise bear named Roadie (played by Toby Huss) and together, they embark on a road trip to track down the band members and convince them to perform a benefit concert to save the hall.
Along the way, Beary and Roadie encounter various colorful characters, including Fred Bedderhead (voiced by Brad Garrett), Tennessee O’Neal (voiced by Toby Keith), Zeb Zoober (voiced by Stephen Root), and Ted Bedderhead (voiced by Diedrich Bader), the former members of the band. Each member has moved on with their lives and is initially reluctant to reunite with the band.
Despite the challenges and obstacles they face, Beary and Roadie manage to convince the band members to put aside their differences and come together for one last performance. With the help of their friends and supporters, including Beary’s human family and a group of dedicated fans, the Country Bears stage a triumphant comeback concert at the hall.
In a heartwarming finale, the concert is a huge success, and the hall is saved from destruction. Beary finally finds his place in the world, surrounded by friends and family who accept him for who he is. The film ends with a joyful celebration as everyone comes together to celebrate the power of music and friendship.
“The Country Bears” is praised for its catchy musical numbers, charming characters, and positive message about acceptance and belonging. While it received mixed reviews from critics, the film remains a favorite among younger audiences and fans of the Disney theme park attraction.