Oh, Yes, I Did

 

It's that rare day when I will fall for a movie gimmick.  And what would be more of a come-on than a horror movie about a big bear stoned on cocaine?   And "inspired by true events" to boot, even though I don't remember seeing this on the nightly news.

But when reviews cite how much fun this tale is, you sometimes have to bite the bullet.  And I'm looking at a cast list that includes names like Keri Russell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Margo Martindale, and in his final screen appearance one Ray Liotta.  Plus the director is Elizabeth Banks?!

Hmmm.  Like Tom Cruise in "Risky Business," sometimes you just have to say WTF  So you grab your most frivolous best friend and look for a movie night of complete giddiness.

And we were not disappointed.  A drugged-up bear versus a bunch of hillbillies and drug dealers?   Who's going to argue?   Stylishly presented and just plain fun, this movie is almost like the never-realized fifth season of "Ozark."  There are a few comedic set pieces that will have you rolling in the aisles.  For instance, two EMT schmucks answer the 911 call of a forest ranger at her station.  Except they don't know what the call is for. 

Try not to giggle as that unfolds.  It's five minutes of slapstick mayhem not to be missed.

Of course, there is a bittersweet moment when you realize that Ray Liotta's very last scene in a movie will be from the inside of a grizzly's stomach.  But he does get cited in the closing credits and hats off to a marvelous career.

And another hat tip to the people who made a movie without a message and simply wanted to entertain you.  

Maybe there will be "Cocaine Bear 2."

LEN'S RATING:  Three stars.

Dinner last night:  Chicken noodle soup.