‘Zack and Miri’ Make an Adequate Comedy
-----Once everyone can get over the title, they may find some genuine heart inside this very vulgar, very R-rated comedy. And really, if the title gets to you, why would you see the movie? So if you like Kevin Smith, Seth Rogen, and porn (just kidding), you may find some decent humor here.
-----The film’s premise is ridiculous, but simple. Two friends are struggling to make ends meet, when the situation worsens. Their power is turned off so the two realize it’s time for drastic measures. When attending a High School reunion, Zack realizes that nearly everyone there (roughly 800 or so) would probably pay money for a video of their old classmates screwing. Like I said, ridiculous, but then there wouldn’t be a movie without it.
-----Seth Rogen plays his typical funny, yet lovable character, but with the mouth of a Kevin Smith character. Unfortunately the vulgar and occasionally brilliant director leaves too much of a thumb print on some of the characters, namely the leads. They drop the F-Bomb a ridiculous and ultimately unbelievable amount of times given their personalities. They even sound awkward at times as they struggle to squeeze it in between words. They’re just throwing it out there. Despite this, Elizabeth Banks is still funny, and there are a number of humorous, though small turns from other recognizable faces. This includes Craig Robinson (‘Pineapple Express’) as film financer Delaney and small roles from Smith favorites Jason Mewes (most famous for his role as ‘Clerks,’ ‘Jay’) and Jeff Anderson (most famous for his role as ‘Clerks,’ ‘Dante’). On top of these cult heroes, there’s also a cameo from Justin Long (‘Live Free or Die Hard’) and Brandon Routh (‘Superman Returns’) as a gay couple at Zak and Miri’s High School Reunion.
-----The film is undeniably humorous at times, but unfortunately can’t maintain the laughs the trailer frequently brought about. Acting as somewhat of a spoof on the porn industry, and also somewhat of a creepy homage to it, the film’s focus strays about midway where the plot becomes all but irrelevant. And while there is quite a bit of inevitable nudity, the film still isn’t as dirty as many of the R films commonly seen in today’s industry. Whether this is due to that fact that they’re just making a porno on screen for laughs is debatable. The movie does miss some potential by not expanding on the hilarious idea of, “Star Whores,” but Zak and Mir’s developing relationship feels true and authentic. Despite his vulgarity and shaky humor, Kevin Smith always seem to find a strong chemistry between his leads that is seldom seen in modern cinema. It’s this chemistry that brings heart to his films, and makes them anything more than dirty humor.
-----Smith diehards will probably see this as an ample chapter in his body of work, but above all, if you are in any way offended by the title, stay away from this film. There are plenty of better comedies out there and even some superior Smith productions. However, while it’s not very memorable, it still provides a good number of laughs, and the leads carry the movie successfully to the finish line. You probably won’t love this film, but the novelty of the idea is definitely worth one viewing to the bold, not easily offended movie-goer.
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