Zack and Miri are best friends. They'd do anything for each other, even bang one another on film for a paying masturbating public. That's the premise for the latest from the foul and twisted mind of Kevin Smith (Mallrats, Clerks, Dogma). Zack and Miri Make a Porno follows the story of two cohabiting, down on their luck roommates, who, in a bind, decide making a porno film is the easiest way to snag some cash and solve all of their problems. Sounds pretty funny, basic, and simple, but underneath all the controversy, titties, and drooping ball sacks is a lovingly crafted mature piece of work from our independent sultan of filth, Kevin Smith.
Smith seems to have finally grabbed hold of a full cast of actors that best utilize the kinds of scripts he writes. That's not to say I'm not an Ben Affleck, Jason Mewes, or Jason Lee fan. I am. But the fit of Seth Rogen in a Kevin Smith film is so natural that it's kind of weird. Smith seems to have finally found that bridge he has been so desperately searching for: the bridge to financial success. His films always seem to cater to a very specific audience, and, with Zack and Miri, he seems to be readying himself to crossover. He has fused the sentimentality of Jersey Girl with the vulgarity of Clerks, and it works like a charm. His direction has never been anything to write home about visually, but he really pulls his ensemble together. Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, and longtime cohort Jason Mewes all deliver the funny. As you know we at the Movie Press have a soft spot for Craig Ferguson, and I'd say he steals the entire show if it weren't for how funny Mewes is, or truly legendary turns from the Man of Steel, Brandon Routh and from Justin Long as a gay porn star at Zack and Miri's high school reunion.
It's difficult to review without ruining, so I'll only warn those who are easily offended. (And if you are, chances are you aren't reading this site). This film contains some filthy and foul moments. You will see people get naked, fornicate, and other things that actually made me cover my mouth and slightly avert my eyes. The humor is disgusting, and the heart is twice as big to compensate. There's a difference between fucking and making love, and Kevin Smith clearly loved making this thing.
Review by: Greg MacLennan
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