A based-on-a-true-story film about a bear that goes on a killing spree after ingesting an incredible amount of cocaine? There could not be such a thing! Well, I have news for you. “Cocaine Bear” is a real, newly released one-hour and 35-minute film directed by Elizabeth Banks about just that — a bear on cocaine. This purposefully goofy and gory comedy is just what I needed to escape this stressful, exam-ridden week, and I think it could be a great outlet for any student who needs a silly getaway. 

Starring Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isaiah Whitlock Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Christian Convery, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Margo Martindale, Brooklynn Prince and the late Ray Liotta, “Cocaine Bear” is filled to the brim with household names. Everyone in the cast brings a different spice to the kitchen, where some are great, and others are sadly bland. The tasteful performances of O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Alden Ehrenreich add wonderful silliness and some heart to this otherwise hot-and-cold lineup. These portrayals work not only because of the actors’ natural chemistry, but also their idiotic dialogue. 

“Cocaine Bear” is a self-aware movie, meaning that the script takes advantage of the plot’s silliness by creating a relaxed yet intense (there is a cocaine bear on the loose, after all) environment that is perfectly built for zany humor. The rest of the cast was fine, with the young Convery getting a few laughs out of me but not nearly as many as Jackson and Ehrenreich.  

The true star of the show is the cocaine bear itself, which is surprisingly not in the film for nearly as long as I imagined given the film’s title. Although its appearances are disappointingly cut short, the hideous CGI bear is a figure that must be seen to be believed. Without getting too much into spoiler territory, there is a notably gnarly scene towards the middle of the film involving an ambulance, some not-so-fortunate EMS workers and a stupid park ranger. 

“Cocaine Bear” is one of the goriest pieces of media I have ever seen, and that is saying something considering my favorite show is the Amazon Prime hit “The Boys.” I have never seen so many people walk out of a movie before, especially during this aforementioned ambulance scene. As such, this film is not for the faint of heart, as you must be prepared to witness things you can never unsee.

The thing I love most about “Cocaine Bear” is how it was made in the first place. When was the last time you have seen a commercial for a purposefully bad movie, let alone a big-budget one? I certainly cannot recall, but “Cocaine Bear” rises to the challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I love complex and emotionally gut-wrenching films, but every once in a while, it is nice just to sit down and turn off my brain for an hour and a half. If you and your friends are looking for a gory, silly and entertaining film, I encourage you to see the incredibly unique “Cocaine Bear.” 

Film Score: 7/10