Hi all!
Today I am reviewing the new-release, horror-comedy: Cocaine Bear. It hit cinemas in Australia last month, allowing me the pleasure of seeing it on the big screen. 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. I’m going to make this spoiler-free, so don’t worry about me spilling the beans. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!
WHAT WORKED:
The best part of this film was the gore. It did not hold back in any way, shape or form. We saw limbs, entrails, fountains of blood and more. I love that it didn’t shy away from the violence. It was also hilarious! I was literally crying tears of laughter during the ambulance scene. If you want to see a horror movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously and gives you a fun viewing experience, Cocaine Bear is for you! Furthermore, the casting was excellent. It was Ray Liotta’s last role before he passed and honestly, that is kind of iconic. Keri Russell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Margo Martindale, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince, O’Shea Jackson Jr and more gave fantastic performances. The premise may come across as simple and quite ridiculous, but the story had surprising depth and various plotlines to follow. It was also very self-aware, leaning into the absurdity of the concept. With a killer bear on the loose, a plethora of eccentric characters and a picturesque forest for a setting, you’re bound to have a good time.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK:
The biggest negative in my opinion, was that the film dragged in parts. There were a lot of filler scenes and not enough bear, which let’s face it, is what we all wanted. I also felt that there were too many jokes. If the movie had been paced a bit better, there would have been more space to let them land. I found myself struggling to take in what the characters were saying, particularly when they were talking over the top of each other. The story was quite predictable as well but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. These are minor gripes after all.
OVERALL STAR RATING:
I gave it 4/5 stars. It is worth seeing at the cinema, purely for the entertainment factor.
Thank you so much for reading! Let me know if you’ve watched this film. Did you like it?
Peace & Love xoxo