After the words “based on a true story” flick up onto the screen, I am somewhat dubious of how many creative liberties had to be taken in order to make this release more audience worthy. Story has it that almost 100kg of coke was scattered over the US in the 80s in an attempt to smuggle the drugs from Columbia to the states. Unfortunately, a mishap with the location allows for the 40 duffel bags fit to burst to be dumped across a national park in the middle of Georgia. Cue the title character and we are in for an outrageous rollercoaster of blood, guts and gore. Despite some slower scenes and depending on how tight you hold on to the “true story” aspect of the film, you could be in for another movie to add to your list of cinematic guilty pleasures.
I simply think the classic “so bad that its good” label has to be whipped out
If you expect anything more than what is blatantly described within the title then I am afraid you are in for disappointment. I’m not saying I didn’t heavily enjoy this new release, I simply think the classic “so bad that its good” label has to be whipped out before we can look any further. After a pretty intense trailer was released a couple of weeks ago, I was reasonably set on what I was getting myself into, as a coke fuelled man vs. nature type plot is, ahem, laid to bear. Though having a few famous faces in the mix such as the late Ray Liotta, Keri Russel and O'Shea Jackson Jr., it seemed that they were overqualified, being outshone by a 500-pound CGI bear. The shear amount of computing needed throughout the whole movie made it feel a little too manufactured in places.
leaving an abundance of loose-ends
Additionally Banks brought in too many subplots for each character that were never explored, leaving an abundance of loose-ends in this deadly trip into the woods. An aspect that I felt was a little unfortunate was the fact that the fictional bear is shown to live a long, happy life with her cubs despite the drug fiasco, contrasting to reality. After looking into said true story that this film was based on, it seems that the poor creature didn't bite anyone’s heads off or amputates any limbs- it simply dies of an overdose thanks to ingesting $14 million worth of cocaine. Its clear that Banks, though in the end leaving the audience rooting for our bear from hell, sticks to the less sombre and emotive side of the tale.
The film has plenty of blood to satisfy the hard-core watchers and just about keeps you invested up to the end with plenty of unrealistic yet perfectly entertaining scenes. Themes of motherhood and female strength glimmer in the background of the gruesome shots as the characters are sent running for the hills. Though perhaps not the most exceptional picture coming out of the cinemas this year, Banks’ new addition definitely distracts you from reality and keeps you immersed in senseless pandemonium for the full hour and 35 minutes.
Escapist entertainment 7/10