#REVIEW: “COCAINE BEAR”

By Mr. Will Wong

A story so unbear-lievable it had to be true. Sorta.

In 1985, a Black Bear was found dead in Northern Georgia. Along with it were 40 opened plastic containers of Cocaine from a duffel bag, resulting in its death after having consumed a lethal quantity of the drug. The Cocaine was dropped out of a plane after it had been carrying too heavy a load, resulting in an escaping convicted drug dealer falling to his death after a parachute failed to launch.

Co-produced by Academy Award-winning filmmaking duo Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and directed by Elizabeth Banks, the Film adaptation of this legendary tale takes several liberties with its source material, which many have theories about still to this day. We are brought into the worlds of those who had a stake in the drugs including the heartbroken Eddie (Alden Ehrenreich) and tough Daveed (O’Shea Jackson), both dealers out to recover the lost goods. Bob (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) is hot on the heels of these dealers, after having investigated them for some time. And we have Sari (Keri Russell), a single mom and nurse who is frantically trying to find her daughter (played by Brooklynn Prince).  Their lives are forever impacted by this destructive, murderous bear which lurks dangerously close, placing them in harm’s way with its drug-fueled unpredictability and rage.

Banks successfully navigates Cocaine Bear’s unique shifting of tones skilfully.  The Film is darkly comedic, suspenseful and gory. Yet, it is a warm-hearted Family Adventure. Despite all this, it still managers to feel like a coherent story, despite all the interesting choices it makes. Though our titular character is monstrous and fear-inducing, the story takes us to the realization that the true monster are those with an investment to the money this Cocaine is worth.

There are some really memorable performances here including the under-appreciated Russell, possessing strength and conviction. You just know characters like this always will stay out of harm’s way in a Horror. Her real-life husband Matthew Rhys, is barely recognizable and seen early on in the Film in a comedic turn. Ehrenreich also is a true force excelling at the Comedy required of his role. Our two young stars Prince and Christian Convery who plays Henry are brilliant and an integral part of the story. The late Ray Liotta forever is remembered in this his final on-screen role, still proving ferocious and full of fire at the end of what has been a legendary career.

COCAINE BEAR is wild, yet honours its commitment to telling a story. It delivers exactly what those wanting to go to the theatre to see a movie about a drug-dependent bear would have wanted.

Universal Pictures Canada release COCAINE BEAR Friday, February 24, 2023.