We saw 'Cocaine Bear,' and it was wild. But just how much 'Knoxville' is in the film?

If a bear does cocaine in the woods and no one is around to see it, did it really do cocaine?

The answer is a resounding yes, and "Cocaine Bear" places this far-fetched premise prominently on display during the new film directed by Elizabeth Banks.

With its ties to Knoxville − and Knox News − it was only fitting for two reporters, Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas, to brave the theater and report back their thoughts on the movie.

But first ...

How much 'Knoxville' is in 'Cocaine Bear'?

Ryan: A fair amount but, by this Knoxvillian's account, not enough.

Keenan: I would agree. However, I was impressed by the use of archival news footage to set the stage for the ensuing chaos. I was upset the Sunsphere didn't make a cameo.

Ryan: But it really was cool to see Knoxville so prominently early on in the film. I do wish they would have come back to it, though.

Keenan: Granted, the bear part of the story didn't take place in Knoxville. So, at least they weren't fictionalizing it even more.

Ryan: But anyone going to the film should be happy to hear "Knoxville" spoken a time or two − and to see a title card during an early scene with investigators. No KPD references, though.

Best parts of 'Cocaine Bear': Cast, premise and surprises

Keenan: Overall, it was an enjoyable, cocaine-fueled ride that really answers the question: "What would happen if a bear did cocaine?"

Ryan: We do know the real answer. It died.

Keenan: Despite that, it's still fun to watch and ponder a fictional answer to that question while watching a coked-up bear disemboweling several hikers. It's a gory good time, with a few surprisingly good sequences of suspense.

Ryan: I was surprised by how complicated some of the characters are − and how many emotions they made you feel. The theater was laughing, gasping and, in some cases, hiding their faces during the more grotesque scenes.

Keenan: And I think that is in large part due to the acting, which fits the vibe of the film. Specifically, Alden Ehrenreich and Margo Martindale really carry the movie. And how cool is it that one of Ray Liotta's final screen appearances was in "Cocaine Bear"? Everyone looked like they were having a ton of fun playing heightened versions of people in that situation.

Ryan: Walking in, I was expecting something along the lines of "Sharknado" − a cheap, schlock of a film resembling a made-for-TV movie. I don't feel like I lost any brain cells, which is more than the bear can say.

What we felt was missing from the film

Ryan: I think we already said it: more Knoxville.

Keenan: I wish that it had more of the drug run that is present in the original reporting. It was a bit of a shame to not see it more on screen, leaving it as exposition for parts of the film.

Ryan: I think you're somewhat disadvantaged if you know what actually happened because the original story is a wild ride in its own right. But I agree. Whether or not you know what really happened, as a viewer, you're still left wondering, "How did we get here?"

Keenan: There are a few spotty parts too, including some less-than-desirable CGI, awkward editing and an overreliance on the fact the bear was doing cocaine. But otherwise, I don't have any true issues with this movie.

To sum it all up ...

Keenan: At the end of the day, the film is a fairly low-brow action film set in the Georgia woods with a high apex predator on the loose, served best with a tub of movie theater popcorn. It's not going to win any Oscars, even though the bear definitely should.

Ryan: You can pick apart the film's small issues all you want, and long for more truth. But there's no denying I was entertained from start to finish. Sometimes that's all you need.

Keenan: I don't think it will be the best film of this year, but it will definitely be one of the most memorable films from this year − and one that people will come back to.

Ryan: Four words: The bear did cocaine.

Keenan: The bear realllllyyyy did cocaine.

To hear Ryan and Keenan's immediate reactions, check out the latest episode of "The Scruffy Stuff," recorded moments after the credits at Regal Cinebarre inside West Town Mall. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple and other streaming platforms.

Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas report for the Knox News growth and development team. You can reach them by email at ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com and keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 'Cocaine Bear' is a wild movie with Knoxville ties