Film Review: "Cocaine Bear"

Certain films have to simply be seen in order to be believed by audiences. Cocaine Bear is such an outlandish title, that no one would expect it was loosely based on a true story.  The story follows a group of goofy characters who converge in a Georgia forest. Within this forest resides a gigantic Black Bear, that has unintentionally ingested a large amount of cocaine. What follows is a murderous rampage, as the bear hunts for even more cocaine. That should tell you everything you need to know about Cocaine Bear. 

That premise should give you a clear idea of what kind of movie this is. Director Elizabeth Banks has an understanding of the story she wants to tell. The film's success can be attributed to two factors. First and most important, is the mercifully short 95-minute running time. Not a moment in the story is wasted, thanks to delivering immediately on the bear carnage before the opening credits. Cutting immediately to the violence explains that Cocaine Bear is paying homage to “B-movies”. 

A “B movie” in lamens terms is a low-budget commercial motion picture. With Cocaine Bear’s smaller budget, Banks has assembled a group of character actors. Actors such as Keri Russell,  Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Margo Martindale have been working in Hollywood for quite some time. Banks celebrates these actors by putting them in some of the film's best, funniest, and most violent sequences. Simultaneously actors like Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and the late Ray Liotta chew the scenery. It is a winning combination of performances that helps elevate the material. 

Cocaine Bear will be gory and good fun for audiences who are willing to take the ride. Some audiences may not be able to get on the film's very twisted wavelength. The film takes elements from cheesy 80s slasher movies like The Toxic Avenger, They Live, and virtually every sequel to Halloween. That campy sensibility is something audiences are either on board with or avoid like the plague.  If you are not already on board, then Cocaine Bear is not going to do anything to win you over. The film manages to do exactly “what is said on the box” whether you like it or not. 

Some will feel slighted by the film's direct and to-the-point style of filmmaking. There is no subtext, focusing solely on creating something to entertain. Looking for anything deeper will leave viewers wanting more. This is an homage to violent “B-movies” and delivers exactly what the trailers and title suggest.  It also proves that there is more to Elizabeth Banks as a filmmaker than anyone might have expected.

Cocaine Bear was a pleasant surprise this early in 2023. It is the rare sort of film that knows exactly what it is, and does not apologize for it. The gory and funny tone helps to make everything go down smoothly. Alongside some very fun performances, Cocaine Bear has the potential to be a cult classic. If viewers are willing to take the ride, then there is plenty of fun to be had. Those looking for something more substantive will be sorely disappointed with the results.