Cocaine Bear (2023) Dir: Elizabeth Banks
Instagram post:
This film is exactly as ridiculous and fun as its name suggests. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, and based very loosely on true events, this has to be one of the most absurd ideas for a major film in quite some time. I could not resist going to the cinema to see just what absurdity lay in store.
It's safe to say this is not a narrative-focused film. Whilst an ensemble cast does bring a number of subplots to the table, they aren't exactly what audiences came to see.
There is also a very loose main arc, which does carry the characters forward, but doesn't do much more than that. The main feature is, of course, the bear. The bear's CGI is pretty solid for the most part, although occasionally it could've been better.
Of the ensemble cast, Keri Russell, Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery are the standouts, especially Prince and Convery, whom, despite their youth, are amazingly entertaining. They work really well together too, which is a bonus.
I also enjoyed the performances of O'Shea Jackson Jr, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Isiah Whitlock Jr, whom all had some hilarious moments throughout the film.
Some of the funniest scenes in the whole film came from Kahyun Kim and Margo Martindale, neither had huge roles, but fully committed to the ridiculousness of the film.
The late Ray Liotta features in one of his final appearances, and provides a decent enough secondary antagonist, with some good interactions between he and his colleagues. Finally, I'll mention some other noteworthy cast members; Alden Ehrenreich, Ayoola Smart and Kristofer Hivju.
Overall, this is insane, ridiculous and absolutely what it was supposed to be. It knew what it was and dove headfirst into that, to great success. Sometimes, you just need a bit of absurdity in cinema, and this provides that in excellent abundance. Turn off your brain and enjoy.
Comments