In recent years, Judd Apatow has made a killing churning out crass comedies with a hefty dose of heart. But lest we forget that it wasn't so long ago that cult filmmaker Kevin Smith introduced viewers to such a style. But don't look upon the man's latest picture, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, as some sort of attempt to reclaim this thematic territory. Instead, just think of Zack and Miri as Smith merely doing what he does best, having crafted a comedy that's easy to figure out but even easier to have a lot of good laughs with.
Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks play Zack and Miri, current roomies and lifelong friends who've danced around taking their relationship to the next level. The pair returns home after their high school reunion only to find themselves stripped of power and basic utilities. But thanks to an embarrassing video of the two that's become an Internet hit, Zack comes up an idea to make some quick cash: create their own pornographic film. It's not quite what Miri had in mind, but seeing the dynamic duo's lack of other options, she agrees to participate. In just a few days, Zack and Miri gather all the ingredients they need for their project, from a particularly well-endowed star (Jason Mewes) to a script that puts an erotic spin to George Lucas' Star Wars. But the time eventually comes for Zack and Miri to be intimate with one another, an event that will change the course of their friendship either for better or for worse.
Zack and Miri is proof positive that after years of accumulating a legion of fans, Smith hasn't lost the touch that made him famous to begin with. Key to Smith's success is his realistic knack for capturing characters. These are the sort of people you'd love to make friends with (and yep, that includes the sex-starved dim bulb Smith veteran Mewes plays) and, God forbid, actually care about. But more importantly, Zack and Miri doesn't lose its head in the clouds when it comes to the plot.
Smith acknowledges the outrageousness of the story, especially when the turn of events forces the titular duo into a rather awkward position. The film's life lessons aren't learned with as much difficulty as those in Chasing Amy, nor is the ending that hard to surmise. But while the umpteen American Pie sequels are content rehashing old sex comedy cliches, Smith is actually trying to do something sweet and even a little profound with the formula. The fact that he does a pretty good job of it is a treat to both Smith fans and those tired of lazy genre retreads the likes of College and Sex Drive.
Article comments
1 - Michael
I've been a fan of Kevin Smith's movies since Clerks. Mallrats was so so. I have not yet seen this film. I do find it funny that this film was banned by Theaters in Utah. I'd bet if the name were different no one there would have even had a clue.
Reminds me of the "Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" fiasco.
2 - Tim1974
Another tiresome, redundant use of male frontal nudity. The double standard against men continues. I hope that young men will soon realize that they are being had and refuse to see shows that do not include an equal amount of female frontal nudity. It is about respect and equality.
3 - Ankit
When I saw this movie the whole theater was roaring with laughter for at least 3/4 of the movie. If you're a fan of his films, you won't be disappointed. If you're not, get the hell on board, cause this movie is hilarious. The movie has some of his most classic scenes by far, with some great performances and spectacular lines by Justin Long, Rogen, Mewes, and Craig Robinson who steals the show. I guarantee you won't leave the theater unsatisfied. It's like Clerks 2 had sex with Dogma, and left the horrendous emotional scenes at the door, and kept the bad dialogue thoroughly intact.