After a 500-pound black bear consumes a significant amount of cocaine and embarks on a drug-fueled rampage, an eccentric gathering of cops, criminals, tourists, and teenagers assemble in a Georgia forest.
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Cast: Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Christian Convery, Alden Ehrenreich, Brooklynn Prince, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Margo Martindale, Matthew Rhys, Ray Liotta
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Rated R for bloody violence and gore, drug content and language throughout
Runtime: 1h 35m
Review:
Cocaine Bear is a gory comedy that embraces the goofiness of its premise. Elizabeth Banks knows exactly what kind of movie she's making and doesn't saddle it with too much extraneous baggage that keeps the film moving at a brisk pace. Its straightforward in the best way possible spending a little time early on introducing the players before the inevitable mayhem begins. The cast and director are both on the same page as there's a decidedly cartoonish air about the characters and performances. The ensemble cast is peppered with recognizable character actors, including Ray Liotta's final onscreen appearance, who are clearly having a ball playing their roles. Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Alden Ehrenreich get the biggest portion of the screen time with the latter two providing the best onscreen chemistry. Margo Martindale, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Isiah Whitlock Jr. make the most of their limited screen time in supporting roles. The titular bear is a solid, but it’s never photo realistic enough to make you forget you are watching CGI animal. The plot and characters are thinly written which makes it difficult to maintain its initial energy before it sputters into its finale. Ultimately, Cocaine Bear is a solid piece of mindless, goofy fun that's easy to enjoy even though you'll probably forget about it shortly there after.
C+
