Movie Review - “Zack & Miri Make a Porno”
*** STARS
“Zack & Miri Make a Porno” may on the outside have an all too familiar sitcom feel (friends that have no idea they are secretly in love with each other) but at it’s core it is a smart, tender and progressive comedy with a bunch of gut busting jokes and a slew of draw dropping images and gags. Once again Kevin Smith adds his unique brand of writing and down to earth people skills to craft another scathing and crackling movie that has more real life elements in it than any other major Hollywood comedy this year.
The casting of this film is inspired and you can tell the whole crew had a blast filming this movie. Most of the charm and authenticity in “Zack & Miri” comes from Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Bank’s spot on performances as down on their luck roommates who come up with the ultimate money making idea to make a porno. The couple is instantly believable, and even when the plot aggravates you with its “misunderstanding” plot device, you still end up rooting for this group of cute misfits in the end.
The supporting cast of characters enhance the films comic tone and timing with their subtle nuances, the whole cast is very likable. Justin Long gives one of the most over the top and hilarious performances as a gay porn star that will have you rolling in the aisles. Tracy Lords has one scene that had me gasping and then crying with laughter in shock. If it weren’t for the supporting this cast this film could have been a seriously big mis-fire.
Kevin Smith is one the best directors alive that can truly capture the culture of young people and how they talk. This film may not be as sharp as “Clerks 2″ or “Chasing Amy” but it is a smart adult comedy that depicts the sex industry as something other than just a sleazy racket that preys on women. And once again Kevin Smith handles homosexuality and straight men in an authentic way instead of masking homophobia as jokes. This movie is shocking and nasty, but it’s also a short and sweet comedy that delivers on the laughs big time.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
a thoughtful and honest review. I can’t believe you said this film was straight up nasty…ha ha!
nikki