Reviews
Anaconda
I’ll be the first to admit it, when I heard there was going to be a remake of the cult classic Anaconda, I wasn’t enthusiastic. Because let’s face it, even though the original is very fun, it’s not exactly a great movie. And after seeing the trailer for this new one, realising it leaned fully into parody, my expectations dropped as low as they could possibly go. But I’ll also be the first to admit when I’m wrong (my wife might not agree), and in this case, I’m more than happy to do so. Anaconda is one of the biggest surprises of the year and quite possibly the most unhinged fun you’ll have at the cinema this holiday season.
Brought to the big screen by co-writer and director Tom Gormican, this version of Anaconda follows a group of friends who are all down in the dumps when a quite frankly unbelievable, life-changing opportunity presents itself: the filming rights to the Anaconda franchise. Or at least that’s what the group believes, thanks to struggling actor Ronald Griffin Jr. (Paul Rudd). Returning home from Hollywood to Baltimore for a birthday celebration, Ronald presents himself as wildly successful and sets out to convince his friends to join the project.
First up there’s his childhood best friend Doug McCallister (Jack Black), a wedding videographer who treats his work more like a big-screen directorial debut, producing some “unique” tapes for clients who sadly don’t appreciate his vision. Then there’s Claire Simons (Thandiwe Newton), who is navigating a breakup and clearly sharing some unresolved chemistry with Ronald. Finally, there’s Kenny Trent (Steve Zahn), a “recovering” alcoholic who is “Buffalo sober,” a line that delivers the first of many laugh-out-loud moments. Despite their initial doubts, and after rediscovering a childhood movie about a Sasquatch they filmed as kids, the group becomes convinced that remaking Anaconda might actually be their destiny.
Armed with a shoestring budget and Santiago (Selton Mello), a Brazilian snake whisperer who loves his snake a little too much, the friends set sail for the Amazon rainforest with hope in their hearts and common sense evidently nowhere to be found. Of course, it’s never that simple. Their boat is captained by Ana (Daniela Melchior), who is being actively hunted by a gang of armed men led by the terrifying Joao (Rui Ricardo Diaz), a man willing to chase her to the very end of the jungle if necessary.
For much of the film, the story seesaws between a parody during the filming of their “new” version of Anaconda and the more serious subplot of Ana being hunted. Undoubtedly, the comedy aspects are where the movie is at its best, and when it fully leans into its wild and wacky nature, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. It doesn’t just deliver the occasional laugh like most, it provides one of the funniest cinema experiences you’re likely to have had all year. The humour is also spectacularly self-aware, poking fun at its own existence in a way reminiscent of 22 Jump Street, and it lands beautifully here. However, when the story shifts toward Ana’s darker plot, it becomes a lot less engaging, and I found myself itching to return to the more outrageous, fun moments.
Just as the movie seemed to be losing me, it pulled me back in hook, line, and sinker. After a series of tragic yet hilarious production mishaps, the film heads towards more of the familiar horror elements of the original Anaconda. That said, horror is used in the loosest sense, because not for a single moment is the comedic nature at the heart of the movie fully benched. This is best demonstrated by the now-viral scene from the trailer where Jack Black has a pig strapped to his back and a squirrel in his mouth. It was something that didn’t quite work for me in the trailer, but when you see it within the context of the actual movie, it lands perfectly and is bound to have you rolling on the floor laughing. The finale ties the story together in a surprisingly coherent and enjoyable way, with certain elements that made my jaw drop and should have you looking out for some extra special surprises on the way. There’s an extra element in crazy in that final act that alone provides enough entertainment value to justify the admission price.
Jack Black and Paul Rudd both deserve an immense amount of praise for their performances. They work fantastically together, while also delivering some of the movie’s best individual moments, and their comedic timing is impeccable throughout. That being said, Steve Zahn may be the highlight of the entire film. He is at the heart of every genuinely hilarious moment and manages to steal every scene he’s in. The supporting cast also deserves recognition, each contributing key moments that help the movie succeed, particularly Selton Mello, who truly stands out.
I’m not going to lie, I went in expecting one of the worst films of the year, especially after seeing the early teasers and marketing. But here I am, admitting that Anaconda has emerged as one of the most entertaining releases you can enjoy this holiday season. It’s rare for a movie to defy almost every expectation, yet here we are. Anaconda has done exactly that and it’s an absolute joy to behold.