Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Directed by Kevin Smith
Starring Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Jeff Anderson, Traci Lords, Katie Morgan, Brandon Routh and Justin Long.
Backstory
Kevin Smith. One of my heroes. Counting down to his new movies is something that I always do with great anticipation. So, when his latest film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno hit theatres, I knew I had to be there opening weekend. Couldn’t go opening night, because I had to to work, but I was there the next day.
Plot
Zack and Miri are lifelong friends and we currently see them as roommates. They’ve bounced from minimum-wage shit job to shit job for most of their life, and they’re just coasting. And then, several factors converge to change their lives. They can’t pay the bills, so they lose all their utilities. A video of Miri in her underwear goes viral and becomes an internet sensation. Zack meets a gay porn star at his 10-year high school reunion. Zack puts all these things together in his head and decides to make a pornographic film to solve all his financial woes. Zack discovers a newfound ambition as he gathers his friends together to make this film and re-discovers a zeal for life. But, as it comes time to film the climactic sex scene — Zack and Miri actually having sex with each other — will they be able to remain friends, or will they become more than friends?
What I Liked
Well, I’m definitely biased, because I like Kevin Smith’s films. Therefore, I found the film to be funny as hell. I also enjoyed Seth Rogan’s performance. I know that a lot of my friends are sick of Rogan and his schtick, but as I haven’t seen a lot of his films, I guess I’m not sick of him yet. Elizabeth Banks is also fantastic. The introduction to Jeff Anderson’s character is a highlight, as it has to be one of the most illegal moves in hockey. It’s just very funny.
What I Didn’t Like
The plot is rather cliched…in fact, it kind of struck me as being a mainstream Chasing Amy. And the end is rather abrupt.
Final Assessment
This fanboy is convinced that Kevin Smith has produced another winner. But then, as I said, I’m biased.