Movie Review: Anaconda
One-liner: Charming performances, silly misadventure and foolhardy passion elevate this mostly dumb, fun and entertaining meta-comedy horror spin-off.
Anaconda is a strange and silly new film from Tom Gormican that could possibly become a subgenre on its own. Having directed Nicolas Cage in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, it’s clear that Gormican is able to create meta-comedy magic with innovative fringe film genres.
The story follows Griffen, a struggling actor, who reconnects with a childhood friend and wannabe film director, Doug, after the two discover that their dream pursuits have not worked out and that they’re effectively living “B+” lives at best. Taking a gamble, the actor reaches out to convince his friend to shoot a new film. After rekindling their creative spirit with a screening of ‘The Quatch’ a seemingly forgotten film made in their childhood, they embark on a project to create what Doug refers to as a “spiritual sequel” to Anaconda.
This horror film about a giant snake in the Amazon becomes a central focus for what dwindles from a small budget to a shoestring production as they realise the limitations. Led by their passion, they assemble a team to serve as crew and cast on this wayward expedition from their normal lives. While the reframing of Anaconda could have leaned into the horror element, comedy is more of a focus, underscored by the casting of Paul Rudd, Jack Black and Steve Zahn.
This is a fun-spirited meta-comedy, a send-up of a movie using its plot to revisit the magic of the original Anaconda, which was a local television staple for years. Latching onto the same spirit of adventure and cheesy goodness, the team attempts to create their rendition, struggling to match a Hollywood budget and finding the rigours of a low-budget production challenging.
Jack Black makes every movie better purely based on his energy and larger-than-life attitude, which come into play in this concoction of a sequel. While he and Paul Rudd don’t make a natural pairing, they do have surprisingly good chemistry and generate some great moments by leaning into the ridiculous. Jack Black was a great example of this in Be Kind Rewind, where characters “swede” lost videotapes, and this same good-natured spirit is what drives Anaconda. Given license to be over-the-top, the filmmaking party inadvertently stumbles upon a South American conspiracy as their would-be expedition guide reveals her true identity.
“Snake eyes again. Just my luck.”
A nutty snake handler, the sheer determination of the makeshift crew, and the intrepid spirit of adventure are what pull this film together. It has some very funny moments; “going gung-ho” seems to be the mindset of Anaconda as the team discovers that the original may not be all that far-fetched. This version is a film that knows what it is, revels in the appreciation of the original’s cheesiness and even features some great cameos to spice things up.
It’s the kind of light escapist fare that works wonders right now and features a stellar ensemble who are more than up to the task of poking fun at themselves. Jack Black’s infectious energy keeps things moving at full tilt. Paul Rudd’s charm and offbeat awkwardness keep things grounded, while Thandiwe Newton serves as a romantic interest and Steve Zahn as the typical sideshow attraction. Selton Mello, who plays the snake handler Carlos, is a welcome addition, and Daniela Melchior, as the mercenary Ana, offers a bit of depth and danger with a competing subplot.
Ultimately, this fun-filled film is just about having a good time. The visual effects are good, and the story framework gives license to do just about anything. The attempt to finish their micro-budget film while surviving the trip becomes a very funny distraction. The story could have ventured into a mock-documentary style or leaned more into horror, but this is a straight-up comedy that doesn’t take itself seriously at all.
There are a few moments that don’t quite work and it’s not quite as funny as it could be, but the lightweight fizz, the charm of its actors, and the wild-eyed passion keep things moving at a brisk pace with enough outlandish scenarios to keep you watching. It’s far from their best work and isn’t aiming high but has enough charm and pizzazz to tip things in its favour.
The bottom line: Fun
