Cocain Bear is a film that claims to be based on true events, but it might as well be a fantasy. The film follows the aftermath of a drug smuggler’s plane crash in the woods, where a bear finds and consumes his stash of cocaine. The bear then goes on a rampage, killing anyone who crosses its path.
The film has some redeeming qualities, such as showing a glimpse of contemporary history and raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and the importance of nature conservation. The gore scenes are well executed and not overdone. The editing is also decent in the first half of the film, creating some suspense and tension. There is one memorable camera shot where one of the characters is making a phone call. If you see the movie you’ll know which one me mean.
However, the film also suffers from many flaws that undermine its credibility and enjoyment. The most obvious one is the poor CGI of the bear, which looks unrealistic and inconsistent. The bear’s movements and interactions with the environment and the characters are often implausible and ridiculous. For example, the bear somehow manages to climb a tree and jump on a helicopter, or to break into a house without making any noise.
The film also fails to develop its characters and their motivations. Three of the main characters are teenagers who encounter the bear while driving through the woods, but we know nothing about them or why we should care about their fate. The other characters are either stereotypes or clichés, such as the corrupt sheriff, the naive reporter, or the heroic ranger. The film does not explore the psychological or moral implications of the situation, nor does it offer any surprises or twists.
The final showdown between the bear and the survivors is especially disappointing. The setting is a waterfall that looks like a cheap set. The characters rely on too many lucky coincidences to escape or fight back. The bear also seems to teleport from one place to another, ignoring the laws of physics and logic. The ending is predictable and anticlimactic.
Cocain Bear is a film that tries to be both a thriller and a comedy, but it fails at both. It is neither scary nor funny, but rather boring and absurd. The film does not do justice to the real story that inspired it, nor does it offer any insight or entertainment value. The film is like a bear on cocaine: it is wild and erratic, but ultimately pointless and harmful. The film could have been more interesting if it showed how the bear’s rampage affected the society and economy of the area, similar to how a mass strike can disrupt public transport and cause chaos and inconvenience for many people.
5/10