Drugs and hikers are on the menu in ‘Cocaine Bear’

Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor

“Cocaine Bear,” directed by Elizabeth Banks, features one of the last turns from Ray Liotta, one of my all-time favorite actors. He was stellar in “Goodfellas,” director Martin Scorsese’s Oscar winner. In fact, this movie is dedicated to Liotta. As I have stated in the past, I am not a fan of horror movies, but when it comes to the horror comedies, I am in like Flint.

This movie is just sheer silliness. In any movie dealing with death, you’re supposed to feel empathy for the characters. But when it on a cocaine-fueled killing spree. comes to the knuckleheads in “Cocaine Bear,” who cares? This is loosely based on a true story and loosely based on cinematic stupidity. Still, it was a lot of fun and it made me laugh.

I must talk about the elephant in the room, or in this case the bear in the woods. It’s all computer generated, of course, but very well done.

The visual effects are top notch throughout. Filmmakers have come a long way since early, crude CGI, which is still on display in the “Sharknado” entries.

The characters who need to live, live. But most of the “Cocaine Bear” characters are pure fodder, whose deaths are for pure amusement.

“The Bear” (1988) -- This amazing slice-of-life family adventure-drama follows a couple of bears on the mountainside overseas. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, this one gives me goosebumps from the sheer cinematography and a great score from composer Philippe Sarde.

Margo Martindale, a very diverse actress, plays inept park Ranger Liz. She oversees the grounds of the Tennessee forest. A veteran character actress recently appearing in the streaming TV series “The Watcher,” Martindale knows how to weave dynamic parts in everything she’s in. Her aim is a little off when it comes to the bear, however.

Keri Russell, who plays Sari, a single-mom nurse, is a joy to watch. Her character is really smart and caring, some of the other characters, I couldn’t bear to watch.

Even cinematic eye candy is fun for a while. You’re likely to be smiling on your way to the car.

“His Dark Materials” (2019-2022) -- This one is based on the same story as “The Golden Compass,” wherein one and done stifled the planned trilogy of features altogether. This one was turned into a successful HBO Max series that features a fantasy world with talking polar bears and a young girl named Lyra. Dafne Keen is excellent in the role.

“The Revenant” (2015) --

This action-adventure was significant in that star Leonardo DiCaprio received his coveted Best Actor Oscar. The setting is 1800s America. It won three Academy Awards, including best cinematography and best director for Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Tom Hardy supports as one of the villains in the story.

“The Great Outdoors”

(1988) -- This campingadventure comedy is worth recommending for the turn from the late John Candy who says, “Big bear chased me.” Also amusing is that it’s townsfolk who was struck by lightning 66 times. Written and executive produced by John Hughes. Directed by Howard Deutch.

“Paddington” (2014) --

This comic family-adventure is based on a children’s book and comes from the same producers who handled the Harry Potter universe. This one is a pure joy for the entire family, save for those who don’t like marmalade sandwiches.

-Ricky Miller

Hogwarts Legacy not so magical

Tareakubore Ejovwo-Ottoh Staff Writer

Hogwarts Legacy is a nice pastime for all, but it’s just like any other open-world game there is.

I don’t have much experience with Harry Potter games, but this one was a welcome surprise that allowed me to dive headfirst into the world of books and grow along with the characters in the game. The game aims to make up your character and play as a fifth-year at Hogwarts, completing quests and leveling up your gear as you discover new experiences. The characters, both major and minor, have a different variety of personalities and interests, and the teachers are a small but steady part of the experience. However, there are many issues with the game as well.

Many plot holes are very hard to ignore, and the conflict is a convoluted mess that has no true solution. Much of the gameplay requires looking for help and many hours of thinking. The open-world aspect is meant to allow free choices about where someone wants to go and which quest someone wants to complete, but some restrictions sully the gameplay and make the experience less fun.

The creature capturing and breeding is an enjoyable time and so is finding new gear to customize and equip as you play more hours. The good is slightly outweighed by the annoying and negative, however. I would recommend this game for curiosity’s sake, and if you have $60 to spare. Overall, the game is lackluster and only worth a few days’ interest.

Hogwarts Legacy releases on April 4 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and July 25 for Nintendo Switch devices.