Synopsis: Inspired by the 1985 true story of a drug runner’s plane crash, missing cocaine, and the black bear that ate it, this wild dark comedy finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500- pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow … and blood.
If you’re over the age of 30, I’m sure you remember running around outside unsupervised as a kid. The only rules were to come home when the streetlights came on and possibly to check in from time to time. Now as adults, we tend to talk about how the younger generations don’t play outside enough. Well, after watching this movie, and witnessing what the kids did, I remembered how stupid we were and how much dumb shit we did. It’s probably better that the kids are inside nowadays.
“The bear! It fucking did cocaine!”
Grab your friends and a duffle bag, and don’t wear any clean shoes or your favorite clothes because they’re going to get blood-soaked and dirty, we’re looking for cocaine. Directed by Elizabeth Banks and inspired by true events, Cocaine Bear is bear-ly appropriate and wildly entertaining. If you think it sounds crazy saying “Cocaine Bear” out loud, wait until you see a bear do a line off of a disembodied leg. This film is not only a laugh-riot but it’s perfectly absurd. From its opening scene to its credits, nothing can prepare you for how outrageous it is and much fun you’re going to have. This is definitely one to enjoy with as many people as possible. Feeling like a mashup of an 80s slasher and NatGeo, this drug-fueled romp through the woods is one you won’t forget. If you’re a fan of Sharknado, Zombeavers, or anything of the sort, this film is for you. When you mix drug dealers, a worried mom, children that are in danger, a determined detective, an incompetent park ranger, thuggish teenagers, and a coked-up black bear, you have a perfect storm of fantastic fuckery.
“We’re cokeheads now.”
The story isn’t one that you have to overthink. This is the epitome of a popcorn flick where the animalistic rage is high and the body count is higher. Moreover, It doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s about creating a wild and exciting moviegoing experience. However, the story is a bit all over the place at times, and you don’t necessarily care a great deal about any of the characters on an emotional level, you just want to know what’s going to happen next and who is going to meet their fate by the teeth and claws of Cokey the Bear. Nevertheless, the performances are solid, the kills are comical, and the cocaine is plentiful. The soundtrack is lively, the comedic gags are executed perfectly, and the entire film is high-energy. Also, the CGI looks pretty decent. There are no moments that will take you out of it. I enjoyed myself a great deal. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
Like doing masses amounts of uncut cocaine, the pacing of this film is amped up and on full tilt. From the moment an image and sound appear on screen, it’s off to the races as laughs, blood, and dismemberment aren’t far behind. What popped for me was the laugh-to-gruesome ratio and its timing. Just as you are shocked and possibly scared by a kill or ass-whooping that just took place, there is a moment of levity immediately afterward to lighten the moment and remind you that this is purposely absurd.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Christian Convery, Alden Ehrenreich, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Brooklynn Prince, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Kristofer Hivju, Hannah Hoekstra, Aaron Holliday, with Margo Martindale and Ray Liotta
This is a truly hilarious ensemble cast. The chemistry between O’Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, and Aaron Holliday is some of the best in the film. It’s one determined grump, a reluctant participant, and a smartass teenager, and their hilarious. However, in a film such as this, it’s difficult not to be outshined by a hilarious kid with a potty mouth and that’s exactly what happens. Christian Convery steals the show with his high-pitched voice, knowledge of drugs (or lack thereof), and dropping of the F-bomb, it’s hard not to be impressed. Honestly, with everyone being so funny, I’m sure we’ll all have a different favorite character. If I’m not mistaken, this is Ray Liotta’s last film and he was great as always. He brought the tough and serious as well as some witty delivery. And Keri Russell represented for all the momma bears out there.
Cocaine Bear releases in theaters on February 24, 2023. Remain safe and don’t feed bears cocaine and RIP Ray Liotta.
Rated: R Runtime: 1h 35m Director: Elizabeth Banks Writer: Jimmy Warden Producers: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Brian Duffield, Aditya Sood Executive Producers: Robin Mulcahy Fisichella, Alison Small, Nikki Baida
Cocaine Bear is bear-ly appropriate and wildly entertaining.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
