Elizabeth Banks directs Cocaine Bear, a black comedy that stars Alden Ehrenreich, Ray Liotta, Keri Russell and Margot Martindale. The film sees a group of drug dealers, civilians, and law enforcement personnel deal with the fallout of a black bear's reign of terror after the animal ingests a large amount of cocaine. As outlandish as that sounds, it is actually based on a true story. However, the filmmakers are using the phrase "based on a true story" very loosely in this instance.

“Ursidae Cocainus” is at its best when it's playing up the campy and creative coke-fueled kills. When it stays on those rails, the film really cooks. The comedy is on point generating big laughs, and the gore can be exceptionally brutal. The ambulance scene in particular might be my favorite moment at the cinema this year.. Enjoy this with friends in a packed theater, and you'll have a great time.

That said, Pablo Escobear is not on a rampage for the entire 95-minute runtime. There are human storylines that more than occasionally take the focus away from our beloved “Cocaine Bear.” These diversions nearly always drag the pace, particularly in the latter half, making the film feel incredibly long, even for a 95-minute movie.

Despite some minor grievances, “Cocaine Bear” largely delivers on its promise. It's a wildly outlandish comedy that provides some genuine thrills. I plan to go again with my kids, as they die of laughter every time they see the trailer. R.I.P. to Ray Liotta, who bids his farewell to cinema like no one else. Also, there are a couple of mid-credits scenes, so don't exit early if you don't want to miss out on those.

— 3.5/ 5 ⭐