Director Kevin Smith’s once avant-guard humor in Zack and Miri Make A Porno entertains to the point of absolute hilarity. He is effectively bridging the romance of his characters into his latest projects and this most recent installment is a testament to a formula of old and new that simply works.
The situation Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) find themselves in is a very real and relatable scenario depicting two life long friends hopelessly trying to make ends meet as the unpaid bills continue to pile up. Feeling like they have hit rock bottom after hanging out with their successful former classmates at a high school reunion, they begin to seriously dwell on their dire circumstances.
Zack suddenly has an epiphany when he realizes that they could use their comfort with one another as leverage to have emotionally detached sex along with some hired talent to make an adult movie in an attempt to end their financially challenged lifestyle. Thus they set forth as entrepreneurs in the adult entertainment industry while they vow not to let business interfere with what is most sacred to them, their friendship.
Seth Rogen’s role is nothing new to him, bringing his nonchalant demeanor and matter of fact humor with evidence of a softer side. He definitely is the kind of guy you can see yourself having a good time with at the bar. Elizabeth Banks is just plain adorable and a sense of compassion can truly be felt for her character. There admittedly are a couple moments where she is her own worst enemy and the look on her face really pulls on the heartstrings. When the two of them are brought together their chemistry is very up front and alive. They are the kind of couple you want to see succeed.
The supporting cast is comedic genius as well. Delaney (Craig Robinson) is a happy-go-lucky guy but when his wife is brought into the picture expect to see one of the funniest lovers’ quarrels on screen. Lester (Jason Mewes) is much like his character Jay from some of Smith’s classic projects but probably even more perverse. Mewes diehards will not be disappointed as he repeatedly steals scenes. The remainder of the supporting characters make for a rather humorous and colorful ensemble cast, especially some noteworthy appearances by Justin Long that no doubt succeed at generating quite a few unexpected chuckles.
Smith delivers a strong movie but some of the humor is not quite as funny as the witty banter of his previous projects. This is not to say that there isn’t any trademark shock value humor indicative of Smith’s work. There is actually one scene in particular where people will want to finish their grub beforehand.
Zack and Miri Make A Porno’s flow drags at times and the length feels longer than it actually is by the time credits roll. A degree of charm is brought in to flesh out those areas where scenes miss the mark and the characters’ outcomes, though predictable, are wholly satisfying. And yes, for the Star Wars fans, there are plenty of laugh inducing references as well from fanboy Smith. As previously confirmed, Ben Affleck finally breaks his Kevin Smith movie streak.
The direction Smith has endeavored on in more of his recent works, including Zack and Miri, is a promising trend that will inevitably bring even better works as he matures as a director. Fans of his past work will not be disappointed and undoubtedly new fans are sure to be brought on board by his developing style. Suffice it to say, Zack and Miri Make A Porno is easily one of the funniest movies this year, but some fine tuning will really strengthen Kevin Smith’s credibility in the years to come.
– Chris Walsh
