Let it be known, don’t ever let a bear ingest cocaine. “Cocaine Bear” is directed by Elizabeth Banks and is based on an event that happened in Georgia during 1985.  

A smuggler named Andrew C. Thronton II accidentally dropped cocaine out of a plane, then months later, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation found a deadly black bear that ingested 75 pounds of cocaine. Bank’s film loosely re-tells the story through dark comedy and silly horror. 

“Cocaine Bear” is a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously. The over-the-top gore and music made the film enjoyable. The dark comedy usage was excellent; I laughed at most of the jokes. 

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the critic score for “Cocaine Bear” is 70%. 

According to IMDb, the critic score given was a 6.5 out of 10. 

“Cocaine Bear” revolves around different characters and their own path such as tourists enjoying their trip in Georgia, drug dealers looking for the missing cocaine and many other stories. However, this is a flaw that many viewers may dislike because most of the focus of the film is on the characters instead of the bear. 

Some notable actors that shined in the film were O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Ray Liotta. O’Shea Jackson Jr. is the oldest son of American rapper Ice Cube. Jackson Jr. plays the character Daveed who’s working with Syd, trying to gather up the cocaine that was lost from the smuggler. Jackson Jr. has a natural talent for acting like his father.  

Liotta is a true gem in “Cocaine Bear.” Lotta is best known for his portrayal of Henry Hill in the film “Goodfellas.” Throughout Liotta’s career, he nails the mafia-type persona, and he doesn’t disappoint in this movie. Liotta plays Syd and he intimidates Daveed by having him retrieve the lost cocaine supply.  

Sadly, Liotta passed away on May 26, 2022. Liotta died in his sleep while in the Dominican Republic, where he was filming a new movie called “Dangerous Waters.”  

Liotta’s last film is “Cocaine Bear;” Bank’s left a tribute message for him that paid respect. 

My favorite part of the film was an ambulance scene where the bear chases it down. The tension and build-up of whether the bear would catch up to the vehicle was well done. Also, the use of high-intensity music made it more enjoyable because it added a dynamic tone for the chase scene. 

“Cocaine Bear” is a goofy movie, but I would recommend it if you want to watch something to laugh at. I’d recommend to purchase the tickets at a discounted price.” If you want to watch a film that involves a bear having a drug-fueled rampage, then “Cocaine Bear” is one you should check out.