A young boy from Los Angeles (played by Reiley McClendon) goes to visit his uncle, a park ranger portrayed by Dean Cain, who lives far away in Northern California. There, the boy attempts to protect a bear he befriends from poachers and a local rancher—brought to life by Corbin Bernsen—who believes the animal is responsible for killing his sheep. Gil Birmingham takes on the role of an Indigenous park ranger, while Cody Weiant appears as a spirited girl who helps the boy and the bear. “Gentle Ben” (2002) was released directly to television and isn’t connected to the older TV series from the late 1960s, which unfolded in the Florida Everglades rather than Northern California. The film proved successful enough to warrant a sequel with the same actors the following year. It fits into the family adventure/wilderness drama category, feeling like a combination of films such as “Prophecy” (1979), “Magic in the Water” (1995) and “Free Willy” (1993), though it was made on a television-sized budget. (“Prophecy,” while technically a horror/thriller, shares similarities with the other two films—being filmed in roughly the same area, featuring an Indigenous character, and involving an animal species that’s in danger.) Ashley Laurence, known for her work in the *Hellraiser* movies, appears as Dakota, the ranger's possible romantic interest. She is charming and looks good in jeans; I would have liked to see her with more screen time. Ashley, along with the beautiful scenery, the bear itself, and the talented cast, make this TV movie worthwhile for those who enjoy these kinds of stories. Martin Kove also has a part as a friendly mountain man. The film’s running time is 1 hour and 29 minutes, and it was filmed in Placer County, Northern California—specifically in Auburn and Foresthill. GRADE: B-/C+

Source on TMDB