Cocaine Bear
Universal Pictures | Release Date: February 24, 2023 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
54
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 58 Critic Reviews
Positive:
26
Mixed:
22
Negative:
10
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
38
ObserverOliver JonesFeb 24, 2023
The extent to which the film fails to deliver on the B-movie promise of its title is staggering and, given the high-quality cast and crafts people stooping to concur on behalf of the film’s high-wire and harebrained premise, it is borderline tragic. Read full review
38
Chicago TribuneMichael PhillipsFeb 23, 2023
Ultraviolence is a funny thing, unless it’s not: Here, watching Martindale’s ranger character getting her face ripped off while being dragged along a gravel road isn’t a sight gag, and it isn’t an effective shock bit. It’s just sour. Composer Mark Mothersbaugh’s consciously ‘80s-vibe score has more personality than what’s on screen. Read full review
37
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanFeb 23, 2023
During the lulls in which characters are talking (which happens with surprising frequency considering the film’s title), Cocaine Bear goes into snoring hibernation. Read full review
30
Film ThreatAlex SavelievFeb 24, 2023
Banks ends up with a glossy Hollywood flick disguised as a straight-to-VOD grindhouse title. It feels dishonest, forced, and overstuffed. Read full review
30
Wall Street JournalKyle SmithFeb 23, 2023
The title is by far the most noteworthy element of this lumpy horror-comedy. Read full review
30
The Daily BeastNick SchagerFeb 23, 2023
To call the proceedings one-note is to oversell their depth; the sheer dearth of ideas in this fiasco is almost impressively profound. Read full review
25
Slant MagazinePaul AttardFeb 23, 2023
Cocaine Bear starts running on fumes almost immediately and peters out before the second brick of cocaine is even devoured. Read full review
20
The TelegraphRobbie CollinFeb 23, 2023
It’s a grinding disappointment all round, though at least now we know that what bears famously do in the woods can extend to their film work. Read full review
0
The Associated PressMark KennedyFeb 23, 2023
The filmmakers are also clearly trying their hand at satire, but ham-fistedly. Set during the Reagan-era “Just Say No” period, “Cocaine Bear” hopes to remark on the demonization of drugs and it also seems to have something to say about how humans misunderstand the balance of nature. Neither work. Read full review
0
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleFeb 23, 2023
Cocaine Bear is a movie that will appeal mostly to people who think it’s hilarious to get their dog stoned. If you’re someone who loves to sit on an old couch with a bong between your legs, crying with laughter as your dog bangs into furniture, “Cocaine Bear” might be your “Citizen Kane.” Read full review
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