It is insane to believe that a movie like “Cocaine Bear” would be made. The movie follows the true story of a bear that consumes $15 million in cocaine and goes on a rampage in 1985.  

The true story involved cocaine falling out of an airplane, a bear getting into it and later dying. The real life Cocaine Bear was stuffed and is currently displayed at the Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington, Kentucky. The film decided to take some very creative liberties and the result of this movie was an insanely enjoyable time.

“Cocaine Bear” was directed by Elizabeth Banks (“Pitch Perfect 2,” “Charlie’s Angels”) and stars O’Shea Jackson Jr. (“Straight Outta Compton”), Alden Ehrenreich (“Solo: A Star Wars Story”) and the late Ray Liotta (“GoodFellas”). There is a lot of talent on screen and it is used very well. The actors work really well together, especially Alden Ehrenreich and O’Shea Jackson Jr., whose characters are sent by Ray Liotta to get what is left of the cocaine after the bear eats it. The chemistry between the two is really good given the bizarre circumstances that they are thrown into.

This movie is absolutely hilarious and there are several moments when my theater was in stitches. Without spoiling anything, one of the funniest moments in the film involved an ambulance. It was bloody, intense and darkly funny in the best ways possible. Another hilarious moment is the opening scene involving tourists getting attacked by a bear. After the bear finishes off a woman, he is captivated by a butterfly.

There are a few issues with the movie. There are a few dumb decisions made by characters such as not running right away when a bear is about to unleash mayhem. There is a character named Stache (Aaron Holliday) who is involved in a gang that comes off a little annoying and if he was not in the movie, it would have been better. This character was unnecessary to be in the movie. but other than that this is a movie you should simply say “yes” to.

Despite some slight issues with characters and writing, “Cocaine Bear” has hilarious moments, good performances, and a bizarre plot that forces you to turn your brain off, earning the movie a B+.

Commentary writer Linden Lansberry can be reached at [email protected]. 

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