A solid comedy wtih some teeth
The film generated a lot of interest on social media due to the crazy nature of the concept which gives flashbacks to Snakes On A Plane released in 2006 for those who remember it. Unlike Snakes On a Plane, Cocaine Bear manages to deliver the goods on its bonkers concept.
Right from the opening sequence we are introduced to the sharp and cruel sense of humor of the filmmakers as a pilot unloads a shipment of cocaine which leads to a farcical misadventure. Cocaine Bear knows exactly what type of movie it is: an hilarious and gory slasher where the main star is a coked up bear. Just like its titular drug, it starts very high and runs out a bit of steam by the end but it was utterly glorious and satisfying to witness the carnage of the lead star. One of the film's strongest qualities is its ability not to take itself seriously.
Director Elizabeth Banks knows how to introduce a cast of entertaining, cartoonish characters that will serve as a main course for Cocaine Bear who's completely out of control. Everyone adds their two cents and contributes to the success of the many gags.
Cocaine Bear finds many ways to surpass expectations and entertain even if the movie can't hide all of its flaws. In terms of editing, the challenge was to follow different separate characters in several places while keeping a certain momentum and this is not always mission accomplished for Elizabeth Banks. That being said, the strength of the film is when you see the same character in several places at the same time because he was dismembered by Cocaine Bear and the good news is that the gore does not disappoint even if the horror elements are slightly neglected.
The music by Mark Mothersbaugh also add to the 1980s vibe with energetic synthesizers, no surprise coming from Devo's keyboard player who's a wise choice as the composer for the film. All in all, it's an experience one can enjoy with a cheering midnight crowd and director Elizabeth Banks understands what people want from a movie called Cocaine Bear, something Snakes On A Plane didn't have. Including in 2006. Victory goes to the bear with the help of a little cocaine.
7.5/10.
Right from the opening sequence we are introduced to the sharp and cruel sense of humor of the filmmakers as a pilot unloads a shipment of cocaine which leads to a farcical misadventure. Cocaine Bear knows exactly what type of movie it is: an hilarious and gory slasher where the main star is a coked up bear. Just like its titular drug, it starts very high and runs out a bit of steam by the end but it was utterly glorious and satisfying to witness the carnage of the lead star. One of the film's strongest qualities is its ability not to take itself seriously.
Director Elizabeth Banks knows how to introduce a cast of entertaining, cartoonish characters that will serve as a main course for Cocaine Bear who's completely out of control. Everyone adds their two cents and contributes to the success of the many gags.
Cocaine Bear finds many ways to surpass expectations and entertain even if the movie can't hide all of its flaws. In terms of editing, the challenge was to follow different separate characters in several places while keeping a certain momentum and this is not always mission accomplished for Elizabeth Banks. That being said, the strength of the film is when you see the same character in several places at the same time because he was dismembered by Cocaine Bear and the good news is that the gore does not disappoint even if the horror elements are slightly neglected.
The music by Mark Mothersbaugh also add to the 1980s vibe with energetic synthesizers, no surprise coming from Devo's keyboard player who's a wise choice as the composer for the film. All in all, it's an experience one can enjoy with a cheering midnight crowd and director Elizabeth Banks understands what people want from a movie called Cocaine Bear, something Snakes On A Plane didn't have. Including in 2006. Victory goes to the bear with the help of a little cocaine.
7.5/10.
- Matt-Canalcon
- Feb 22, 2023