I watched Cocaine Bear and I liked it. 3/5
–
“Cocaine Bear” (2023) directed by Elizabeth Banks, is an odd blend of black comedy and horror, loosely inspired by a peculiar incident involving a bear and a large stash of cocaine dropped from a plane in 1985. Starring Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Alden Ehrenreich, the film has moments of visual brilliance alongside some unsettlingly graphic violence.
Visually, “Cocaine Bear” impresses with its special effects, particularly in bringing the CGI bear to life. The bear looks astonishingly realistic, a testament to the film’s technical prowess. Cinematographer John Guleserian employs various angles and movements to build tension and excitement, adding depth to the visuals.
However, it’s crucial to note that the film doesn’t shy away from graphic violence. The bear’s actions lead to several gruesome fatalities, a facet that might be unsettling for some viewers.
Story-wise, “Cocaine Bear” keeps it simple yet engaging. It revels in its campy horror roots, delivering moments of ridiculous humor. The narrative, revolving around a drugged-up bear with newfound strength, has an air of predictability. Character development takes a backseat, with the plot prioritizing action over depth.
The tale kicks off with a drug runner accidentally dropping a load of cocaine, which ends up in the paws of a black bear. The ensuing chaos forms the crux of the story, with a park ranger, sheriff, and a group of teenagers tasked with halting the rampaging bear.
The film maintains a brisk pace, offering a blend of action and suspense. Nonetheless, the predictability of the plot and the somewhat shallow character arcs might leave some viewers wanting more. The humor, while amusing at times, occasionally falls flat.
Characterization isn’t a strong suit of “Cocaine Bear.” The film leans heavily on action and suspense, leaving less room for character development. Nonetheless, the cast’s performances are commendable. Keri Russell shines as Sari Nyland, a determined park ranger. O’Shea Jackson Jr. brings gravitas to the role of Sheriff Dave Lee, while Alden Ehrenreich delivers a convincing performance as the beleaguered drug runner, Martin.
In terms of themes, “Cocaine Bear” doesn’t delve into intricate or profound territory. Its primary aim is to offer mindless entertainment. There are fleeting moments touching on drug addiction, greed, and the dangers of nature, but they remain on the surface.
In summation, “Cocaine Bear” is an entertaining if peculiar entry in the horror-comedy genre. It thrives on campy humor and delivers moments of sheer absurdity. Nevertheless, its somewhat foreseeable plot, underdeveloped characters, and graphic violence might not sit well with everyone. It’s a recommendation for enthusiasts of campy horror seeking light-hearted entertainment, but with a caution about its flaws.