Cocaine Bear | Spoiler Review
Who knew that a movie about a bear who does cocaine would be such a fun film? I just saw this movie and I have to say… it was a blast.
Written by Joey Rodriguez
The real story behind “Cocaine Bear” started in September 1985, when convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton died after a parachuting accident. The working theory is that Thorton was traveling in a plane with 880 pounds of cocaine and thought the Feds were trailing him, so he decided to throw some of the stash out of the plane and take some more with him when he parachuted out. His plan went awry.
A bear did not enter the picture until four months later though. The New York Times reported in December 1985 that a 175-pound black bear “died of an overdose of cocaine after discovering a batch of the drug.” The bear was found dead in Chattahoochee National Forest.
Thorton was reported dead on Sept. 11, 1985. He was found in a driveway in Knoxville, Tenn. wearing Gucci loafers and with roughly $15 million worth of cocaine strapped to his body.
This is actually right where the movies begins. I’m not one for horror/comedies, but this one was an exception. The fascinating true story of “Cocaine Bear” is brought to life in this horror-comedy directed by Elizabeth Banks, featuring an all-star cast including Ray Liotta, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Keri Russell. The film follows a black bear who accidentally ingests a large amount of cocaine, leading it on a rampage through the Georgia wilderness.
Despite the absurd premise, the film manages to strike a perfect balance between horror and comedy. The actors do a fantastic job of portraying their characters as real people, making it easier for the audience to relate to them as they try to survive in the midst of all the chaos.
Director Elizabeth Banks does an excellent job of keeping the horror and comedy elements in perfect harmony, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable film that is unlike any other. While the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise wild and unpredictable ride. The jump scares are effective without being too over-the-top (somehow), and there’s enough gore to satisfy anyone who enjoys watching people get dismembered by an insane bear on cocaine.
While the bear steals every scene it’s in with its bloodshot eyes and menacing growl, the human characters are also given enough depth to keep the audience invested in their fates. Jackson Jr. and Alden Ehrenreich deliver standout performances as the bumbling duo who stumble upon the drug-filled remains of a plane crash in the woods, and the child actors also impress with their talent.
The first moment that had me cracking up was when the 2 young kids tried cocaine. In the moment, I was shocked but I found it absolutely hilarious. These two child actors had me laughing my ass off and even though they’re young, they are definitely talented.
If you’re a fan of horror and comedy, “Cocaine Bear” is a must-see film that goes way out of the box. It reminds us of how goofy horror movies can be when they don’t take themselves too seriously. So, if you’re looking for something fun to watch with friends and don’t mind a bit of blood and gore mixed in with your laughs, this movie is definitely worth checking out. Overall, “Cocaine Bear” is a strong 8/10 and a one-of-a-kind film that’s sure to be a hit with audiences.
