‘Cocaine Bear’ is stupid, but in a really good way

‘Cocaine Bear’ is stupid, but in a really good way

When the idea of a film based on the strange tale of a bear that had ingested cocaine in 1985 began to circulate, everyone thought it was dumb. A dumb, but interesting concept for a film. A unique idea at a time when Hollywood is still diving headfirst into sequels, reboots and remakes. An idea that, while being very dumb, Cocaine Bear pulled off very well.

The True Story and the Urban Legend

In real life, the animal died mere hours after taking the drug. An unfortunate ending that simply wouldn’t do for a Hollywood story. Screenwriter Jimmy Warden wanted to change that by asking one simple question. What if the cocaine bear had lived?

Evidently, actress and director Elizabeth Banks found Warden’s idea to be a solid one. Thus, production on Cocaine Bear began in earnest, attracting stars like the late great Ray Liotta, Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, and Kristofer Hivju, as well as newcomers like Scott Seiss.

No doubt they all knew that this concept was dumb, but more importantly, they all knew that it was original, not a reboot, not a sequel. Any actor worth their salt ought to be excited for something new. The ones who stick to the aforementioned sequels and reboots are, more often than not, losing or already have lost their passion and are just looking for a paycheck.

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A Dumb Concept, a Fun Movie

When the film finally came out on Feb. 24, no doubt plenty of people were expecting poor reviews from the critics. Yet the consensus is surprisingly positive for a movie about a bear on hard drugs.

As for the movie itself, it was fun. Stupid, but fun. The story was entertaining, the acting wasn’t terrible, with some of the actors clearly having fun with the film. The CGI in some places was a bit off, but the gore and humor were largely on point throughout the movie.

The bear itself was wonderful. The bear stole the show every scene it was in and brought out something that Warden and later Banks wanted to emphasize with the film’s title character. Despite the carnage it brings, the bear is also a victim. After all, if it hadn’t found the cocaine and ate it, it would have never gone on its rampage.

The Recommendation

So, is this movie worth a watch? Yes, very much so. It may have a dumb premise, it may be a little dumb itself, but Cocaine Bear promises to bring the humor, gore, and fun, as well as being a break from the current Hollywood norm. It is, however, the kind of movie that should be seen with a group of friends. It’s infinitely better for it to be viewed that way.

In short, Cocaine Bear is a movie I highly recommend. You should go and check it out for yourself.

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