Kevin Smith is at it again, in his most recent film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. The film is not pornographic in nature, despite the adult film stars, the title and the fact that Smith had to fight for the R rating (initially rated NC-17).
Everything Seth “Midas” Rogen (Zack) touches turns to comedy gold, so it’s no secret that this film is chalk full of funny. With wonderful comedic acting skills refined by her days on Scrubs, costar Elizabeth Banks (Miri) solidifies her recent Hollywood ascent to movies such as W. and The H-Man Cometh.
As expected we have seasoned Smith vets with the acting of Jason Mewes (Lester) and Jeff Anderson (Deacon). What we don’t have is the old school unilateral Kevin Smith diction coming out of every actors mouth; a character development feat he matched only in Jersey Girl and to some extent Chasing Amy.
Spoiler alert, Elizabeth Banks does not get naked : (
It’s obvious that Kevin Smith let Seth Rogen be Seth Rogen as the film is dominated by his humor with injected bits of Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier. Justin Long inserts his own humor as he mimics an adult gay porn star. Interestingly, Justin Long plays the role of Brandon, who is Bobby Longs (Brandon Routh) gay partner; keeping it close to home are we?
Zack (Seth Rogen) has absolutely no shame, which creates a slight stretch for the final conflict needed in any good love story, even a comedy.
After venturing out to make a porno to ultimately pay the rent, longtime friends and roommates Zack and Miri find their true feelings for each other. Zack not wanting Miri to “work” with anyone else during production of “Swallow My Cockuccino”, sets the conflict; especially after Miri assumes Zack has already preformed a wet run (opposed to a dry run) rehearsal with Stacey (played by Katie Morgan).
Zack lay’s his feelings on the table and Miri throws them back in his face. Upset, Zack leaves the set and doesn’t reunite with Miri until three months later when Delaney (Craig Robinson) convinces him to watch the unfinished film to see for himself that Miri never slept with Lester (played by Jason Mewes, better known as “Jay” from Jay and Silent Bob).
After running back to the apartment he abandoned, he finds a naked Lester walking out of Miri’s room, at which time the audience is subjected to a full frontal of Jason Mewes and the all-to-illustrated Dutch Router.
Rogen and Banks share great chemistry in a film that’s balls deep with one-liners, and sexual innuendos.
If you’re looking for a shameless comedy, you’ll find it in “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”. Just remember to leave your morals at home with the kids, as cussing and vulgarity are some of Kevin Smith’s stronger suits.
